Andreatta on squad depth, Weir Ballon d'Or & chats with Pocognoli

Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta has been addressing the media after naming her squad for the upcoming Women's World Cup round one play-off matches against the Czech Republic. Here are the key things she said: "Always exciting" naming a squad, but this selection was about "depth" and Andreatta highlighted Sam Kerr's "versatility" as a key quality to her recall after nearly a year since she was last involved. Andreatta's "confidence is growing" in the squad game-by-game, with an eye on their goal of World Cup qualification. She insists her players are "doing whatever it takes" and their work in between camps is "phenomenal". The head coach shared her "pride" at captain Caroline Weir's second successive Ballon d'Or nomination, adding she "leads in actions as well as words" - "she's a doer, not just a talker". While Weir moved to Lyon, Erin Cuthbert was appointed Chelsea captain and though she has not featured yet this season - after picking up an injury on Scotland duty in June - Andreatta said the midfielder is "progressing really, really well" in her plan and the national team are in constant conversation with the club. "It means everything," for the head coach to repay Scotland for "embracing" her, and she will "run through brick walls" to reach the World Cup for the country, her staff and players. On changes within the Scottish FA, particularly the appointments of chief football officer Craig Mulholland and men's head coach Sebastien Pocognoli, Andreatta said "all change is positive" and they have already had "great discussions" around "football and identity" as she shared her experiences of the past four major tournaments she was involved.