From ML1 to the Mediterranean coast, Kayla Jardine has continued to represent the women of steel under the international spotlight.
The Scots faced a daunting triple-header with victories required over Iceland, Belarus and Serbia. However, despite missing out on their target, Jardine strengthened her international goalscoring pedigree, netting twice across the U19 Euro 2024 Qualifying campaign in the Albanian capital, Tirana.
“It’s always an honour to get the opportunity to play for my country,” Jardine explained.
“Although the results weren’t great, I still feel I performed well in each of the games and scoring two goals is an added bonus.
“I feel the experience and scoring the two-goals really gave me a confidence boost heading back into club level and hopefully I can continue that form.”
The 18-year-old, who extended her stay at the club this summer after signing a short-term loan deal in January, was recalled to her parent club Rangers before making her first appearance of the 2023/24 SWPL campaign, as injury woes hampered the Glasgow side.
Returning to Lanarkshire for the second time this season, Jardine is focused on overturning the women of steel’s tumultuous domestic form whilst continuing her development at K-Park.
“There’s definitely positives to take from the season so far.” Jardine noted.
“There’s been games and performances where we know we are capable of a lot more individually and collectively. We are aware we need to be more consistent and if we find that consistency game to game then we should pick up more points as the season goes on.
“Personally, I am hoping to get consistent game time, so that I can become more familiar with playing at first-team level which will allow me to develop more as a player.”
Paul Brownlie’s side brought their month-long goalless drought to an emphatic conclusion, drilling six-goals past a dysfunctional Dundee United side to reinvigorate their ambitions of a top-six finish this season.
However, inconsistency on the road and misfortunes at home have continued to hinder the squads progress, with Aberdeen racking up five goals in a disappointing defeat at K-Park last weekend.
“As a squad we knew it wasn’t good enough,” Jardine acknowledged.
“We could’ve taken so much more out of that game, but it ultimately came down to our mistakes which cost us the goals. [Paul] told us that it wasn’t good enough and we have to reflect on our individual performances”
Motherwell will face another week-long hiatus from domestic football, with cup action back on the horizon, providing the squad with the ideal opportunity to prepare for their third meeting with Montrose this season, whilst reflecting upon their early Sky Sports Cup exit to the Gable Endies at Links Park in October.
“The next game after a defeat is massive,” Jardine said.
“A reaction is needed from the squad and it’s good that we have an extra week to prepare for the next game. It’s important that we approach training with the right mentality and work on the things that need improved on.
“The cup game was a tough one to take as a team as we didn’t perform to the levels we know we are capable of. It’s a chance to right the wrongs made in that game which is what we will look to do come next week.”
