Maria McAneny Earns First Senior Scotland Call Up Ahead Of Ukraine And China Friendlies

Maria McAneny has taken an important step in her football journey, earning her first call-up to the Scotland women’s senior squad. The 21-year-old Celtic midfielder, who has already represented Scotland at Under 23 level, will now join the senior team for upcoming friendly matches against Ukraine and China. It is a moment filled with excitement and opportunity, marking a new chapter for a young player who has impressed with her composure, technique, and steady rise through the national ranks.

Scotland will play both matches in Spain, where head coach Melissa Andreatta hopes to begin shaping the next phase of the team’s development. The first match comes against Ukraine on Friday in Jerez, followed by a meeting with China on 2 December at the same venue, Estadio Municipal de Chapin.

A Young Midfielder Making Her Mark

For McAneny, this call up reflects the progress she has shown at club level with Celtic. The midfielder has been gaining attention for her intelligent movement, calm distribution and ability to link play. After featuring regularly for the Under 23s, stepping into the senior squad feels like a natural progression but also a tremendous honour.

Young players often speak about the moment their name appears in a senior squad list, and for McAneny it represents both recognition and expectation. She now joins a group of experienced internationals who will help guide her through her first days in the senior camp.

Scotland Preparing For Two Challenging Friendlies

Scotland enter these friendlies looking to build consistency after mixed results in recent months. The team earned a strong win away to Morocco before falling at home to Switzerland, both in friendly fixtures. These upcoming matches offer a chance not only to test themselves against competitive opponents but also to experiment with squad depth and player combinations.

The setting in Spain provides quality training facilities and neutral conditions, allowing the squad to focus fully on performance and preparation. With a blend of established names and fresh additions, Scotland hope to continue developing a clear identity under Andreatta’s leadership.

Experience And Youth Blend Across The Squad

The goalkeeping group includes Eartha Cumings from Manchester City, Lee Gibson of Glasgow City and Sandy MacIver from Washington Spirit. This blend offers Scotland reliable options, with each goalkeeper bringing experience from different leagues.

The defensive selection features Georgia Brown, Jenna Clark, Nicola Docherty, Leah Eddie, Sophie Howard, Emma Lawton, Rachel McLauchlan and Amy Muir. The unit covers players from top flights in England, Italy and Scotland, giving the side strong defensive variety.

In midfield, McAneny joins an accomplished group including Erin Cuthbert, Freya Gregory, Sam Kerr, Kirsty MacLean, Miri Taylor and Caroline Weir. Weir’s presence is especially significant as she continues to be one of Scotland’s most influential players, offering leadership and creativity. This environment provides McAneny with ideal support as she adjusts to senior international expectations.

The forward line features Lauren Davidson, Kirsty Hanson, Kirsty Howat, Mia McAulay, Kathleen McGovern and Martha Thomas. The group includes pace, physicality and finishing ability, giving the coaching staff multiple attacking approaches depending on the opponent.

A Positive Step After Recent Performances

Scotland’s recent matches showed moments of strong play but also areas needing improvement. The team were disappointed by their loss to Switzerland but encouraged by the discipline and structure shown in the win against Morocco. Friendlies provide valuable opportunities to test tactical adjustments, try new partnerships on the pitch and build momentum heading into future competitive fixtures.

Introducing fresh talent like McAneny fits the long term plan to deepen the squad and prepare for upcoming qualification campaigns. These early experiences will help her understand the pace and intensity of senior international football.

A Special Milestone For A Promising Player

For McAneny, this call up represents far more than just two matches. It is the beginning of what she hopes will become a long international career. Many players remember their first senior call up as a defining moment, and for a young midfielder still building her reputation, it is a chance to learn, grow and show what she can offer at the highest level.

As Scotland prepare for Ukraine and China, the presence of new faces alongside seasoned professionals creates a positive blend of ambition and experience. McAneny’s inclusion highlights the continued development of Scottish women’s football and the growing opportunities for emerging talent.