RANGERS head coach Amy McDonald admits tomorrow’s SWPL1 game against former club Glasgow City will be a big test for her young side – and for her.
The 10-time champions returned to the top of the table last Sunday with a 2-1 win against Hibernian.
Until a fortnight ago McDonald was head of youth at City, but her first game in charge of Rangers brought a fine 4-0 win at Hamilton Accies. Despite that, McDonald knows her old club present a much more formidable challenge.
“This game has probably come too early, but it’s a good opportunity for the coaches and the players to learn where we’re truly at – and what we need to work on,” the 31-year-old said.
“We know we’re not expected to win, but we need to be competitive and approach the game in the right way.”
Former Scotland internationalist McDonald spent over five seasons at City, first as a player and latterly as head of youth: “I’m thankful for the opportunity I was given there,”she said. “It was my coaching apprenticeship and I learned a lot.”
Rangers did win a pre-season friendly against tomorrow’s opponents, but City head coach Scott Booth used the game to experiment with players and formations. He will have Lauren McMurchie and Leanne Crichton, who both missed the Hibs game, back in contention.
Booth was particularly pleased with the performance of Irish striker Noelle Murray last Sunday, which included her scoring a fine opening goal.
Spartans, who are third, are on a tough run of games and that continues when they play second-placed Hibs at Ainslie Park. Bruising back-to-back games against Celtic have left head coach Suzy Shepherd without captain Alana Marshall, though goalkeeper Rachel Harrison is fit again.
Hibs also have injury problems with Lisa Robertson out. Captain Joelle Murray will start on the bench but could come on.
If Spartans lose, they could be overtaken in third place by David Haley’s Celtic side who are at home to Aberdeen, while Stirling University, still without a permanent head coach, host Hamilton Accies.
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