PEDRO Martinez Losa says he is likely to give Scotland chances to other uncapped players after Glasgow City central defender Jenna Clark made her debut in the World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands at Hampden on Tuesday night.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a double thrill at the national stadium, scoring Scotland's sixth goal in a 7-1 win just 13 minutes after coming on to replace Arsenal's Jen Beattie. Her club team-mate, Lauren Davidson, also made a debut in the earlier 2-0 win over Hungary in Budapest.
“Jenna is growing in confidence and she has the potential, as well as others who maybe didn't participate but who I think will do well,” head coach Martinez Losa said. “Everyone needs to feel that they have an opportunity to play for their country, because that will motivate all the players in Scotland and abroad to strive to do their best.
“We are here to detect the players who can help us to get to the World Cup – and not just this World Cup but future World Cups.”
The Hampden win made it six points from six in Group B despite Martinez Losa only having four days to work with his new players before the Hungary game. He was also left with a weakened squad following retirements and injuries, but two of those brought into the midfield, Chloe Arthur (2) and Christy Grimshaw, also scored their first Scotland goals at the national stadium.
As well as working on new tactics, the Spanish head coach also had to lift morale in a squad still devastated not to have qualified for next summer's Euro finals in England. Top seeds Scotland lost home and away to both Finland and Portugal in qualifying group.
“The group was lacking a little bit of confidence,” the Spaniard said. “The girls feel so passionate about their country and what it is to play for Scotland – so they felt disappointed about not making it to the Euros.
“To bring them back on track and make them believe was important. It doesn't mean there was anything wrong in the past, it is just part of the game. You have to see defeat as part of the process.”
There was a huge scare in time added on at Hampden when Erin Cuthbert, who scored the first goal, was stretchered off following a heavy collision with a Faroes player.
Cuthbert later underwent the tests which are mandatory following any head injury. Although the Scottish FA wouldn't confirm it, the midfielder appears to have made a full recovery.
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