'Do it for them': Scotland defender reveals Netherlands motivation and why Rangers star can fill midfield void

Scotland defender Nicola Docherty says the national team can use their recent injury crisis as motivation ahead of their crunch UEFA Nations League clashes with Netherlands this week.

Pedro Martinez Losa’s side lost key midfielders Caroline Weir and Emma Watson to anterior cruciate ligaments injuries during the last camp and have been dealt further injury blows with Sam Kerr ruled out ahead of their back to back games with Netherlands, while Erin Cuthbert is also a doubt with a quad injury but Rangers full back Docherty insists the team will use it as fuel.

"Of course people will be speaking about the the injuries but I feel like the squad and the depth that we have – there’s enough there to compete” said Docherty.

"I genuinely think that with the amount of injuries we’ve got in the squad, there’s a real desire to go and win these matches. It is almost like we want to do it for the girls that aren’t here because we’re obviously gutted that such key players are out of the squad at the moment.

"We want to make sure we can win these matches – always for Scotland and the fans and our families – but the girls that certainly aren’t here. We’re gutted for them so we want to make that we try and get a result and try and stay in League A (of the Nations League)” added the full back.

Scotland face the Dutch national team in Nijmegen on Friday before they welcome Andries Jonker’s side to Hampden Park next Tuesday and the Rangers defender discussed what challenges they will bring but why recent results give her so much confidence.

Challenge of Netherlands

“We’ve played them (Netherlands) recently before and lost narrowly to a set piece. It’s going to be a tough game and we respect all the opponents we play against but for us, we know if we can play to the best of our ability then we feel like we can beat anyone.

"That second half of the England game we really competed so if we can turn up like we did we should be able to get a result” said the defender.

Youngster Kirsty Maclean is also in line for her first start after a terrific performance in Rangers 2-1 win over Celtic and the week and Docherty admitted the midfield starlet can help fill the void left by the absent injured midfield trio of Weir, Kerr and Watson.

"She’s 18 but she has the mental capacity of a 30-year-old. She has so much maturity. I’ve noticed as soon as she walked through the door at Rangers into the first team.

"She’s an excellent player. It is down to Pedro (who he picks) but I think, Kirsty being Kirsty, if she was given the opportunity she would be ready to do that. The talent that has came through recently is fantastic.

Future of Scotland

"The improvements that I’ve seen in the likes of Jenna (Clark) and Lauren (Davidson) has been fantastic. Jenna is at Liverpool now and she is even starting there so it is fantastic to see so many players coming through the system. There was a little bit of a gap for a few years where there wasn’t many coming through but to see some many coming through is only going to make the squad stronger. It’s exciting for Scotland.

"Emma Watson is another player who shows so much maturity. I’m obviously gutted for her but Emma has a 100% mentality and mindset. She’s up having lunch with us just now, so it shows you the togetherness of the squad.

"She’s in a good place, she’s had her operation – she’s looking good and hopefully her rehab goes smooth” added Docherty.