SFA performance director Malky Mackay has praised the work Shelley Kerr has done for the Scottish women’s game since being made national manager - and expressed hope that qualifying for the World Cup for the first time will lead to a rise in participation levels in this country in future.

Mackay appointed former Scotland defender Kerr last year after Anna Signeul stepped down despite interest in the vacant position from coaches from around the world and has had no regrets about his decision since.

“I interviewed Shelley and was blown away by how good she was,” he said. “We brought her in and she’s been a revelation in terms of her leading of the women’s game and the structures she’s put in.

“She works in the office next door to me at Oriam. We have a cup of tea every day. What she is doing for the women’s game is fabulous. The depth of knowledge she has and the desire to grow women’s football is something else.

“To win the qualification group was sensational. It was a tough section. Switzerland were by far the favourites. It is the first time we have ever reached the World Cup. It is another success story.

“Hopefully it will inspire young girls to come into the game. You have got to have the right structures in place, but, as I say, Shelley is working on that all the time.”