GIVEN that she was born and brought up in Bute, it is highly appropriate that Jane Ross could reach one, and possibly two, memorable landmarks on another island.
The 27-year-old striker won her 99th cap and scored her 48th international goal in Scotland’s opening Cyprus Cup win over New Zealand in Larnaca on Wednesday. With three more games in the tournament, starting today against South Korea in Nicosia, the 100 caps is a formality while the achievement of scoring 50 goals also lies at her feet.
“We don’t know the team to play South Korea yet, but it is a huge achievement and privilege for me – hopefully – to reach the 100 cap milestone,” said Ross, who leads the Manchester City attack following spells at Glasgow City and Swedish club Vittsjo.
With four games in eight days and the requirement to give as many players as possible game time ahead of Euro 2017, Ross is not guaranteed to start today. She is, however, highly likely to feature at some point.
The win over New Zealand leaves Scotland top of Group B. The other game resulted in a 0-0 stalemate between the South Koreans and Austria.
Hibernian defender Rachel McLauchlan flew out yesterday as a replacement for Rachel Corsie. The Seattle Reign player has been ruled out of the entire tournament following the recurrence of a calf strain in the first training session on Monday.
Striker Lana Clelland, who plays for the Italian club Tavagnacco, is also unlikely to feature until, at best, the placing game next Wednesday. She has a hamstring problem.
Captain Gemma Fay will not be risked till next week either, leaving Anna Signeul to choose between Shannon Lynn, who had mixed fortunes against New Zealand, or the uncapped Glasgow City goalkeeper Lee Alexander.
There should be an opportunity for Chelsea teenager Erin Cuthbert to play at some stage of the game against her new club team-mate Ji So Yun. The latter is South Korea’s best known player. Like New Zealand, they are ranked higher than Scotland.
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