Scotland Women vs England

SANDY MacIVER
Exclusive first interview with Scotland’s newest goalkeeper -
Sandy MacIver is back for her second camp following a Hampden
debut in October against the Netherlands in the UEFA Women’s
Nations League. Sandy joins shot-stoppers Lee Gibson and Jenna
Fife as the goalkeeping trio for Scotland’s final matches of 2023.
How has camp
Q been so far?
It’s nice seeing all of the
A girls again and getting
back with the team. It’s not
as nerve-wracking as it
was in the last camp so I’m
definitely happy to be back.
It’s only your second
Q camp, how easy has
it been to settle in?
It’s actually been really
A easy. Obviously, I was
nervous last time as I didn’t
know too many of the girls
but credit to the staff and
players because everyone
has been so welcoming.
It makes my life so much
easier when coming into
an environment like this
and I feel more settled with
every day that goes by.
You secured your
Q debut in the last camp
against the Netherlands.
Talk us through those
moments before you
walked out at Hampden?
Honestly, it was quite
A intimidating. I think
because it was my debut and
it was at Hampden, I don’t
think there’s a better place to
play your first game. It was
frustrating that we didn’t
manage to get anything from
the game so there was a lot
of mixed emotions that night.
Reflecting on it now, I really
enjoyed the whole camp and
the build up to that moment
walking out at Hampden,
it was a really proud night
for me and my family.
You also got player of
Q the match that night,
that must have been a
proud moment personally?
Going into the game the
A most important thing I had
in my head was implementing
the plan that we’d gone over
with the coaches, especially
taking the learnings from
the previous game against
the Netherlands. There
was a lot of emphasis on
playing out from the back
and being brave, so I was
just laser-focused on that
for the whole game. Getting
player of the match is great
and I was really proud,
but my focus was making
sure we got the game plan
right and I think we did get
a lot right in that game.
Your family were in the
Q stand at Hampden,
what did they say to
you afterwards?
I think they were glad it
A was over. My Mum and
Dad drove up and I’m not
sure if they spoke during the
four-hour journey because
they were so nervous but to
see them there just made
it all worthwhile. Even in
the first game away to
the Netherlands, seeing
my shirt in the dressing
room gave me a feeling of
belonging. I knew in those
moments that I belong here.
Staying on the theme
Q of your parents, you
have a Scottish Dad and
HAMPDEN PARK / TUESDAY, 5 DECEMBER 2023
SCOTLAND v ENGLAND / 13