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Weir influence key for Scotland, says Murray

Former Scotland midfielder Joelle Murray insists experienced players such as Caroline Weir and Erin Cuthbert will be crucial in keeping Scotland focused on the task against Israel on Friday night.

The World Cup qualifier - and Tuesday's return meeting between the sides - is being played in Budapest because Uefa ruled no matches can be held in Israel for security reasons.

"It's not ideal, you lose that home advantage on one of the legs, but it's a situation outwith their control," said Murray on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"They need to focus on what they can control, approach the game as they would normally do, albeit a different and difficult situation, being at a neutral venue but that's the same for both sets of players.

"It's not ideal but the preparation going into the camp will be as it always is and you've got players like Caroline and Erin, who will certainly be ensuring the players' full focus is on the performances opposed to all the political stuff outwith it.

"You've got late call-ups Laura Berry and Mia McAulay coming in, two young players, and Caroline and Erin are role models for young players.

"They've got the quality in abundance throughout the squad to get the job done and finish the group really strongly. They'll get the points they need and have to look and see what happens in those other games."

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