Scots have a lot of talent, says Little

Scotland Women midfielder Kim Little believes the current national side is the best she has ever played in and they have never had a better opportunity to reach a major finals.

The 22-year-old former Hibernian Ladies player netted the winner on Saturday against Wales as Scotland secured a play-off place with the runners-up spot in their Women’s Euro 2013 Qualifying group.

Tonight Scotland face France at Tynecastle (kick-off 5pm) in their final Group 4 match and Little admits the hosts can go out and play without the pressure of needing to win.

She said: “We can go into the match feeling a little more relaxed and enjoy the occasion. It’s great to know that we have the play-off place in the bag as we prepare to play such a massive side. Of course, we will be going out to win this evening, as we always do, but it’s good to know that the pressure is off.”

Scotland still have an outside chance of reaching the finals next year in Sweden without the play-offs, but to do so they need to defeat France by four or more goals this evening.

The French, fifth in the FIFA Women’s World Ranking, have strolled through Group 4 undefeated and despite having sealed qualification some time ago, they will be determined to complete their campaign with a 100 per cent success rate intact.

Indeed it was Bruno Bini’s side that inflicted the Scots’ only defeat back in March when they ran out 2-0 winners in Le Havre.

Yet Little believes this Scotland squad has all the battling qualities needed to pick up a famous victory this evening.

She said: “We know that if we fall behind we have the quality to fight back as we have a lot of experience now of being in this kind of position.

“We have had to dig out wins against Republic of Ireland and Wales already this campaign and hopefully that experience will help us in the play-offs, and if everything goals to plan, the Euro finals next summer. We have scored in every game, apart from the away match against France, and we have players all over the park that can make a difference for us.”

Tickets are available on the gate this evening priced £5 adults/£2 children.