Murray On 'Exciting' Scotland Call-Ups
Hibernian Women Head Coach Joelle Murray has spoken of her excitement as two Hibs players are named in the upcoming Scotland squad who will take on Belgium in Leith next month.
Melissa Andreatta named her Scotland squad for the upcoming double-header against the Red Flames, with both Eilidh Adams and Kathleen McGovern selected.
This is the first time two (or more) Hibernian Women players have been picked for a Scotland squad in over four years.
Speaking to Hibs TV at Easter Road Stadium following the squad announcement, Murray spoke of her immense pride at the opportunity of two Hibs players representing Scotland in Leith.
"It's very exciting for the Club. It’s fantastic to bring the National Team back to Easter Road for a very important qualifier against Belgium. We're all excited for the game. Even more so that we've got two players in the squad representing the club.
"We're all very proud, I'm very proud of (Kathleen). She's thoroughly deserving of the international recognition. She's not been in the Scotland squad long, but the way she plays, you'd think the opposite. The impact that she's had has been incredible there. Her performances, her goals, she's certainly taken her club form into the international set-up.
"There's no doubt that Eilidh was disappointed not to be in the recent camps. She was in the last camp as a training player, and it's testament to her; the impact that she had has then meant that the training player has turned into a full camp inclusion.
"I’m very, very pleased for Eilidh. She works so hard day in, day out, and it's great that her hard work and effort has been recognised.
"I know from speaking to both girls that they're excited to represent Scotland at Easter Road, their home. So it's certainly pleasing.
"We’re really, really proud as a Club to have that international recognition; to have both McGov and Eilidh in the same camp is absolutely fantastic.
"Eilidh obviously came through the Academy at the club. So to see her journey come full circle is unbelievable. It just shows that your dreams can become a reality. It's great for the young players at the Club to see that it's certainly something that's achievable."
The hosting of such a crucial 2027 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Leith is an exciting opportunity for young supporters of football to watch international football in the capital.
Scotland have began their qualification campaign with back-to-back wins over Luxembourg - with McGovern scoring three goals across the ties - and now look to continue their 100% start on the Road to Brazil with a victory over Belgium.
"I don't think I'm biased saying it, but it's an unbelievable stadium. I know from speaking to Caroline Weir the last time they played here, she enjoyed it. She said the players enjoy it.
"It'll be great that we can hopefully get a big crowd to back the national team in a very, very important qualifier.
"And certainly, hopefully the collaboration between Hibernian FC and the SFA between now and the game, we can get as big a number to Easter Road as possible."