Ukraine clash crucial for Scots

Arsenal striker Julie Fleeting is vital to Scotland's hopes

Scotland coach Anna Signeul says Wednesday's game against Ukraine is one of the most crucial her side have faced in the past four years.

Her side sit third in Group 5, five points behind their opponents at McDiarmid Park, Perth, and must win to have a chance of a play-off place.

"This is a huge game for us. The players know that a win would put us in a great position to qualify," she said. "Ukraine are a great side and we are all looking forward to the game."

Denmark lead the group, eight points ahead of the Scots, but Signeul believes her side are capable of catching Ukraine.

"It will be a challenge," he said. "But, if we want to progress at international level, we must prove ourselves against the best teams."

Hopefully the full squad will remain fit ahead of this massive international game Scotland coach Ann Signeul

"The team has played really well over the spring, particularly in the 4-1 away win over Portugal, and hopefully we can build on that." Signeul's squad includes seven players from the Hibernian team that lifted the Scottish Cup with a 3-1 win over Celtic.

The Hibs players are in the middle of a hectic domestic schedule, having played four games in the last nine days.

And they face a top-of-the-table clash against Glasgow City three days before the Ukraine game.

"We're coming to the end of the domestic league season and many of the players are going through a very tough period," said the Scotland coach.

"But they enjoy the challenge and hopefully the full squad will remain fit ahead of this massive international game."

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Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Fay (Hibernian), Hutcheson (Edinburgh)
Defenders: Ferguson (Hibernian), Dieke (Kristianstads DFF), Jones (Tampa Bay Hellenic), Kerr (Hibernian), McDonald (Queens Park), Ross (Glasgow City)
Midfielders: Beattie (Celtic), Amanda Burns (Hibernian), Cook (Hibernian), Love (Celtic), Sneddon (Glasgow City), Ross (Hibernian)
Forwards: Fleeting (Arsenal), Grant (Hibernian), Hamill (Blackburn), Little (Arsenal)