Katie’s on the ball

The 14-year-old midfielder was named in the 18-strong side for the second year running this week after she underwent a rigorous selection process, including two regional tournaments and a final trial at Toryglen Regional Football Centre in Glasgow last month.

Katie is no stranger to the international stage though, having also played for Scotland’s under-15 team for the past two seasons, appearing against Germany in two international challenge matches last October.

This April’s Bob Docherty Cup will see Scotland compete over four days against hosts England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, plus an invitational Slovakia team at Repton School, Derbyshire.

Katie and Scotland lifted the trophy in last year’s edition and the Glasgow City Ladies under-15s player is determined to ensure that record remains intact this time around.

“I was really over the moon when I found out I got in the team. It’s not like just because you got in last year then you get in this year, it’s still just as hard,” said Katie.

“The standard was really high at the trials, there was a really high intensity.

“It was amazing winning it last year, especially beating England in particular. It’s my final year with the under-15s so it will be nice to win and be unbeaten with them.

“You feel so proud playing for your country. I’ve played for the Scotland under-15s side last year and this year. We went out to Germany in October and that was really good.

“Winning the Bob Docherty Cup in April with the Scottish schoolgirls would be the icing on the cake for this season. This season and last season has been my best seasons.”

The girls will be led by manager David Thomson who, after eight years helping out as part of the support staff, will take the reins as manager for this year’s edition between April 14-17.

And after seeing last year’s team go on to claim the title in dramatic fashion after a last gasp equaliser to top the table, he believes his new side are well placed for another push for glory.

“I’ve been very impressed with what I have seen from the girls, the trials were an excellent standard,” said Thomson.

“We would like to think we have made the right choice and we have a good balance of the squad from front, middle and back.

“We are quietly confident. Last year was wonderful when we won it very late on and we’ve got four players in our squad who had that experience.”

A spokesman from TSB said the group was proud to be a partner of the Scottish Schools’ FA and is delighted to support the Scotland u15 Girls squad for their 2014 campaign. For all the latest squad news, visit scottishfa.co.uk/ssfa