Melissa Andretta recalls key Scotland players ahead of World Cup play-offs
Melissa Andretta has recalled experienced duo Sam Kerr and Martha Thomas for the upcoming Women's World Cup round one two-legged play-off against Czechia.
Scotland will travel to Pardubice next month before hosting the Czechs at St Mirren's stadium in Paisley four days later, aiming to progress to another double-legged play-off against either Lithuania or Sweden in November with a place at next summer's tournament in Brazil on the line.
Freya Gregory, Sophie Howard and Maria McAneny are all also recalled.
Forwards Eilidh Adams and Laura Berry and defenders Leah Eddie and Kenzie Weir all miss out.
Andreatta said: "We need squad depth. What it takes in any match and tournament football is depth.
"I'm going to be the glass half-full optimistic and say that's where we are want to be and that's where we are going to get to.
"My confidence has been growing the more time I have with this team.
"It's not false, it's not naïve, it's been earned and it's been growing off the back hard-work, commitment, discipline and a belief in our goodness.
"We want to realise our childhood dreams and get back to a major tournament.
"We only see opportunity to show our best and be our best.
"We aren't feeling pressure, we are feeling excitement and optimism about what's ahead."
Scotland squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Eartha Cumings, Lee Gibson, Sandy MacIver
Defenders: Georgia Brown, Jenna Clark, Nicola Docherty, Sophie Howard, Emma Lawton, Rachel McLauchlan, Amy Muir
Midfielders: Chelsea Cornet, Erin Cuthbert, Christy Grimshaw, Sam Kerr, Kirsty Maclean, Maria McAneny, Miri Taylor, Caroline Weir
Attackers: Lauren Davidson, Claire Emslie, Freya Gregory, Kirsty Hanson, Kirsty Howat, Mia McAulay, Kathleen McGovern, Martha Thomas
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