Rachel Corsie says Scotland still have a lot to look forward to

Scotland captain Rachel Corsie admits it’s been tough to move on from failing to qualify for the Euros but says they’re determined to use the final two games of the campaign to ensure there’s much to look forward to.

The national team’s chances of reaching a third consecutive finals ended with defeat to Finland in December, with head coach Shelley Kerr leaving her position weeks later.

Corsie and her team-mates will play Cyprus tomorrow before taking on Portugal on Tuesday in matches that can’t change their qualification prospects but can provide a platform to build on.

The defender admits there was a lot of pain following the Finland defeat but vows the team is now ready to move forward again.

“It was really hard in the weeks that followed,” Corsie said. “I know that the players were and still are extremely disappointed.

“It feels like we’ve underachieved and it’s been a failure and that’s one of the worst feelings you can have in sport.

“The only thing we can do is have each other. We went through it together and now we have the opportunity to move forward together and use this as a platform for the next campaign.

“That’s not going to make amends for not being at the Euros but there’s certainly a lot to look forward to and try to achieve in the future and we’re capable of that.

“We have an excellent group of players who have so much potential. That’s exciting to be involved with.”

SFA coach Stuart McLaren is taking charge of the team on an interim basis and says positive results in the next week can be an important psychological boost for the team.

“It’s essential we do that,” he said.

“At international football all the players are technically, tactically and physically prepared so the biggest difference you can make is in your mentality.

“It goes without saying you’ll always do better at something when you’ve enjoying it.

“It’s a credit to the players that they realise these two games represent the start of the next stage, and they’re determined that it starts against Cyprus.

“I’ve been impressed with their application and attitude.

“They’ve wanted to work hard in training and they’ve taken on the ideas put forward to them.

“They’ve been responsive in asking questions and providing feedback on performances.

“We’re impressed with the level of quality, as I knew I would be.

“Hopefully that will translate to when we take to the field for the game.”