Shepherd aims for return to top eight
18 January 2012
EUROPEAN INDOOR NATION CHAMPIONSHIPS 11 - SLAGELSE - 20-22 JANUARY 2012
Scotland women`s indoor squad travel to Slagelse this weekend to take on Switzerland, France and hosts Denmark in the pool competition of the European Nations Championships II, and coach Gordon Shepherd is determined to make a quick return to Europe`s elite top eight.
"My targets are to develop players and see how some new players deal with the pressures of international hockey, but we will be looking to finish in the top two and achieve promotion."
Shepherd has not selected indoor specialists, instead he has gone for established outdoor internationalists like Kat Cameron, Kareena Marshall, Nikki Kidd and Leigh Fawcett and aspiring young talent in the shape of Amy Brodie, Susan McGilveray and Nikki Lloyd.
Nonetheless, Shepherd has had a good record with his charges; after promotion to Europe`s first division in 2004, Scotland came fourth twice in 2006 and again in 2008, but were unfortunately relegated two years ago. Consequently, the Scots are seeded to top their pool and to gain an immediate return to the top flight, if they can finish in the top two of the subsequent promotion pool.
"I know nothing of the opposition in our group, as it`s been years since we played any of these teams, but we will prepare thoroughly for each game, and take it a game at a time," Shepherd said.
"We have a very fit and fast squad, so fitness won`t be an issue, but we also have a good short corner routine as well as the ability to score from open play."
The lack of match practice could be an issue, as the squad`s only competitive outing was at the Grove Menzieshill tournament at the end of last year. There the Scots won all their pool matches, including seeing off the United States (3-2) and Wales (5-0), but lost the final to Scottish club champions VWS Dundee Wanderers on a penalty shoot-out after a 4-4 draw in normal time.
"We learned the areas we still need to work on from the Menzieshill tournament, we dominated every game we played in and created plenty of open play chances but didn`t take them," Shepherd remarked.
Scotland open their campaign on Friday with fixtures against Denmark and Switzerland; Shepherd will only be satisfied with six points.
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