Celtic FC Women captain Kelly Clark and winger Tegan Bowie have received late international call-ups ahead of Scotland’s vital World Cup qualifier against Spain in Seville tomorrow as both defender Jen Beattie and winger Claire Emslie drop out of the side after the 1-1 draw at Hampden against Ukraine at the end of last week.
“Firstly, I’d like to say I’m delighted that both Kelly and Tegan have been rewarded with the opportunity to go with the national team,” Fran Alonso told Celtic FC Women reporter Colette Carr. “I think it’s well-deserved and they’ve been key parts of our team.
“The team have done very well this season so far, and both players have been instrumental in us reaching the final on Sunday. I think obviously Kelly is surprised after all these years of not playing for Scotland, but I think she has the quality and talent to be there, so I’m delighted Pedro has given her the chance, and Tegan is the future. She has always been a key part of the youth Scotland national teams and now she’ll have a shot with the seniors but it’s great for them to get training minutes with some top, top players.”
Fran Alonson (L) and manage Kelly Clark celebrate at full time during a Scottish Women’s Premier League match between Motherwell and Celtic at Penny Cars Stadium on June 06, 2021, in Airdrie, Scotland (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)
Fran added: “It’ll help them grow as players and in confidence, but it’s also great for Celtic that after a while we have players representing the club and Scotland in the squad. I hope it’s not a one-off and I hope they do well, impress the manager and hopefully called up to future training camps as well.”
While is great news for the two Celtic girls – particularly Kelly Clark – to get a long overdue call up the timing is perhaps inconvenient for Fran Alonso as he prepares his squad for this Sunday’s SWPL Cup Final at Firhill against Champions Glasgow City.
Tegan Bowie in action at Aberdeen. Photo Stephen Dobson PSI
It’s hoped that Celtic will have a sizeable support at Firhill on Sunday for the club’ first of two Finals in December. Ange Postecoglou takes the men to Tannadice for the noon kick-off on Sunday so there’s plenty of time to get to Firhill if you’re planning on watching that game on television. Celtic have not lifted this cup since 2010, just three years after the women’ team was started. Let’s get Fran Alonso and the team over the line on Sunday by filling the stands with Celtic Supporters ready to roar them on to victory.
It’s shaping up to be a very memorable week for both Kelly and Tegan – congratulations to both of them on their Scotland call-up.
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