Kirkcaldy teen called up to Scotland squad

Rebecca McGowan (17) was named by Scotland U19 coach Pauline Hamill as part of her squad which will play two friendlies against Belgium over this weekend.

A former member of Raith Ladies, Rebecca, who was runner up in the Youth section of this year’s Kirkcaldy and Central Fife Sports Council awards, now plays for St Johnstone in the SWPL2 and said she was delighted to be playing for Scotland once again.

“It’s such a big step up,” she said.

“I played for the U17s last year. So when I got pulled into train in the U19s camp I was over the moon.”

A player who can slot in at either centre or right midfield, Rebecca credits the switch in playing in the Lang Toun to Perth for an improvement in her game.

“I signed for St Johnstone in December of last year,” she said.

“I still live in Kirkcaldy so I travel up there and back.

It’s really good. I’m loving playing up there,” she said.

“It’s helped me push on and I feel that I’m definitely improving.”

Rebecca and the rest of Pauline Hamill’s 20-strong squad flew out to Belgium yesterday (Wednesday) for the two matches, which will be played on Friday and Sunday.

She said she was “excited” to be taking part after impressing Hamill with her play.

“I played in the training camp earlier this month where they looked at players for the Belgium games.

“Now to be picked to play for them is amazing.”