Hockey: Gordon Shepherd focused on securing promotion

Gordon Shepherd, Scotland women's coach, is adamant that the bi-annual European Nations Championships in Poznan have always been the priority of his programme over the past year, with promotion to the elite top eight on the Continent his goal.

Winning the Celtic Cup and gaining the bronze medal in the recent FIH Champions Challenge in Dublin are worthy achievements, but to little avail if Shepherd's charges fail to make that crucial step-up in Europe.

"Success in the Europeans is vital, it has been the focus of the team since the Commonwealth Games in Delhi," said Shephard yesterday.

"Scotland needs to be competing in the top tier in 2013 to maximise our preparation for Glasgow 2014."

The Scots open their campaign against Wales today, and Shepherd will be looking for a decisive victory to give the squad the necessary confidence he hopes wills stand them in good stead on the road to promotion.

On Saturday, Scotland racked up an impressive 3-0 win over France in a warm-up match. Vikki Bunce, Nikki Kidd and Catriona Ralph were on target.