Maria McAneny's First Scotland Call-Up
Celtic midfielder Maria McAneny has made headlines with her first call-up to the Scotland women's national team, chosen for upcoming friendlies against Ukraine and China. At just 21 years old, she represents the fresh talent Scotland needs as they look to regroup after a mixed batch of recent matches.
The Road to Recognition
McAneny's path to the national squad has been promising. Having previously impressed with the Scotland Under-23s, she now has the chance to showcase her skills on a bigger stage. Her selection not only highlights her talent but also reflects a strategic decision by coach Melissa Andreatta, who recognizes the importance of injecting youthful energy into the team.
“I've always dreamed of representing my country. This is a huge opportunity, and I'm ready for the challenge,” said McAneny.
Upcoming Friendlies and Scotland's Objectives
The Scots are gearing up for two important friendlies, aiming to build momentum ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. The matches against Ukraine in Jerez, Spain, on Friday, and then China on December 2, will serve as crucial tests for the squad. After a disappointing loss to Switzerland last month and a recent win against Morocco, the team needs to sharpen their tactics and enhance their cohesion on the pitch.
Recent Performance Overview
- Lost to Switzerland in a recent friendly
- Secured a victory against Morocco, showing resilience
McAneny's Performance with Celtic
McAneny's selection comes on the back of noteworthy performances for Celtic, including a goal in their latest victory over Partick Thistle. Her energy and creativity in midfield have caught the eye of scouts and led to her rapid ascent within the ranks of women's football.
A Look at the Scotland Squad
The national squad is filled with experienced players along with emerging talents like McAneny. Here's a summary of this roster who'll be donning the national colors:
Goalkeepers:
- Eartha Cumings (Manchester City)
- Lee Gibson (Glasgow City)
- Sandy MacIver (Washington Spirit)
Defenders:
- Georgia Brown (Sporting Club Jacksonville)
- Jenna Clark (Liverpool)
- Nicola Docherty (Rangers)
- Leah Eddie (Rangers)
- Sophie Howard (Como)
- Emma Lawton (Celtic)
- Rachel McLauchlan (Brighton & Hove Albion)
- Amy Muir (Glasgow City)
Midfielders:
- Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea)
- Freya Gregory (Newcastle United)
- Sam Kerr (Liverpool)
- Kirsty MacLean (Liverpool)
- Maria McAneny (Celtic)
- Miri Taylor (Aston Villa)
- Caroline Weir (Real Madrid)
Forwards:
- Lauren Davidson (Brann)
- Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa)
- Kirsty Howat (Crystal Palace)
- Mia McAulay (Rangers)
- Kathleen McGovern (Hibernian)
- Martha Thomas (Tottenham Hotspur)
A Bright Future Ahead
Maria McAneny's ascent is not just a win for her but for the entire Scottish women's football community. As the squad heads into these friendlies, the pressure is on to refine their game both tactically and mentally ahead of the more significant challenges in 2026 World Cup qualifying. We'll be following McAneny's progress closely, cheering her on as she takes this monumental step into the spotlight.
Follow Along
I invite all fans to join us in supporting the Scotland women's team. There's excitement in the air as new players step up and existing stars strive to make their mark. Stay tuned for updates on their performance and see if McAneny seizes her moment!
Source reference: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/clydjlne7n5o
