Scotland defender Nicola Docherty believes side can thrive in tough Nations League group

Nicola Docherty has seen enough in the opening two Nations League games to believe Scotland can make their mark in League A.

Pedro Martinez Losa’s side lost 2-1 to England in their opener in Sunderland last month before a late goal from Sophie Howard rescued a 1-1 draw with Belgium at Hampden Park four days later.

Scotland are bottom of a tough Group 1 ahead of their double-header against the Netherlands but Rangers skipper Docherty remains confident.

The 31-year-old full-back said: “We are really excited, we know it is two important games and we are raring to go and hopefully we can get some more points on the board.

“We always knew League A was going to be difficult but this is a place we want to be.

“We have proven in the last few games that we can really compete against these teams. We have been working hard behind the scenes on getting better every day.

“We kind of came off the last camp on a high.

“Of course we lost the game against England and we got that late equaliser against Belgium, but there is confidence we can certainly take, especially from that second half against England and showing that resilience against Belgium as well to make sure we got that vital point.

“You look at the England game, especially in the second half, I thought we competed really well.

“It is going to be no different against the Netherlands.

“We know they are going to be a tough side and they obviously had an important win against England which opened the group up again.

“So we know they are going to be difficult matches but we want to play in these matches and we are looking forward to it.

“We need to be more clinical in front of goal. We create a lot of opportunities so can we be a lot better in front of goal and make sure we finish those chances.”

Rangers midfielder Chelsea Cornet has been called up to the squad for the game in Nijmegen on Friday, and the visit of the Netherlands on Tuesday, October 31 at Hampden Park.

Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert has a minor quad injury which is requiring treatment but it is hoped that she will join up with the squad.