Scotland captain Rachel Corsie says Tuesday’s friendly against Jamaica at Hampden Park will provide the national team with the perfect send off for next month’s World Cup in France.
The Scots face a Jamaican side ranked 53rd in the world in their final warm-up match before their maiden World Cup begins with their Group D match against England in Nice on June 9.
Scotland manager Shelley Kerr has expressed her hope of attracting a crowd of more than 10,000 for the fixture, and Aberdeen-born Corsie says leading out her country at the national stadium will be a proud moment.
Defender Corsie, who plays for American side Utah Royals, said: “For a number of the girls it will be the first time they have played here. I think it is the recognition from the association for us to experience playing at Hampden.
“The fans can come along and support us, especially those who won’t be able to come over and see us in France. I know we are taking a big travelling support with us over there.
“But it shows the togetherness and I know there has been a huge number of tickets sold and we are expecting a record crowd. We are all looking forward to it as a team.”
New Scotland manager Steve Clarke cited Kerr’s success as inspiration after being unveiled at Hampden Park yesterday, as he bids to end the men’s team’s 22-year absence from a major tournament by reaching EURO 2020 next summer.
Corsie feels Clarke’s comments highlight the growth of the women’s game in Scotland, adding: “It was huge and flattering for someone of Steve Clarke’s calibre to mention our achievements. On top of that to do it in his first interview as Scotland manager it says a huge amount about what we have done.
“It reiterates the message that we are in it together, men and women. We all want Scotland to be at major tournaments, no matter the level.”
Corsie, who is a supporter of hometown club Aberdeen, was pleased the Scottish FA’s recruitment of Kilmarnock boss Clarke ended any prospect of Dons boss Derek McInnes being lured to the national team job.
The 29-year-old added: “I’m disappointed Aberdeen never got third. Derek has done really well at Aberdeen and the fans love him. He has given a number of fans the best years they have ever had as an Aberdeen fan.
“It is just the nature of football that managers won’t be at the club forever. I think it is flattering for him that he was being linked with the Scotland job.”