JODI MCLEARY has reflected on her first experience of being involved with the Scotland Under-23 squad as she now links back up with her teammates ahead of Rangers’ return to SWPL action.
The youngster was called up for a friendly against the Dutch in the most recent break as she made the step up from representing her country at Under-19 level.
Speaking to RangersTV after linking with her club teammates ahead of tomorrow’s match against Motherwell, the winger commented:
“It was a really good experience. Obviously I didn't really expect to be going away with the 23's, but it was a nice surprise when the manager phoned me.
“It was a tough game against the Netherlands, but I feel like we did really well, we competed and I am just looking forward to getting involved back in league action on Sunday.
“It was different, in all aspects, physically and tactically. As a young player that is what you want, every day just learning, hopefully there is many more to come.”
“When I saw their names [Howat and Cornet] on the list it was a good as it was familiar faces. There was a few new girls that I hadn't played with before but we all got on really well. I feel like as a team we performed the way that the manager wanted us to.
“They brought down a few over age players, as did we. There was learning involved in both areas, I am just looking forward to hopefully going away again.”
The 18-year-old says she wants the team to maintain the standards they set themselves as the Light Blues head to K-Park in their final away fixture of 2023.
She continued: “We have had some really good results recently, as well as performances. Hopefully on Sunday it is more of the same, three points is what we want.
“It is good to be back. Everyone has come back fit and healthy. Everyone is back from injury, so I am just looking forward to getting going on Sunday.”
McLeary insists the approach from Jo Potter’s side will remain the same and she feels the team have evolved from the one when the two sides last met back in September.
She added: “Playing Motherwell is always a tough game. It was tough the last time, we won 4-1, it is not an easy game by any means. Going to K-Park as well it is a tough ground to go to, it always is when we play Motherwell. Hopefully as I said three points is what we are going for.
“We just want to approach the game like we have done every other game, nothing changes this week and three points is what we are going in for and hopefully that is what the outcome is on Sunday.
“We had a few injuries back then, but everyone is back now. Everyone is flying in training; it is a competitive environment. Everyone wants to play and it is only going to help us come Sunday.”