Norwich City Women midfielder Eloise Morran revealed her excitement to go on international duty after being called up by Scotland under-19s.

Morran first featured in one of Scotland's squads earlier this year and was recently selected to travel to Ljubljana, where she could play in as many as three games for her country.

The 17-year-old started for the Canaries on Sunday afternoon as they defeated Actonians in the National League Plate, with striker Shannon Shaw netting a second half brace.

After missing a few matches this season due to injury, Morran is thrilled that her return to the City team has led to further international recognition.

She explained: "(I'm) obviously so delighted with that. I can't wait to go away on camp for the next 10 days and then come back fighting ready to play for the team again.

Lauren Tomlinson brings the ball under controlLauren Tomlinson brings the ball under control (Image: R.S.BROWN)
"You get to play lots of football, we've got great analysts out there. It'll be a hard week, but I'm really excited to go and show what Norwich has to offer.

"It's always possible (to reach Scotland's senior team). I think it's hard work and dedication, like all the other girls will be doing, but it's always possible. (I'll) just keep working towards it."

City had to work for their victory over visitors Actonians, who were well organised defensively, and head coach Andy Cook was impressed with elements of his side's display despite it not being an especially thrilling encounter.

City celebrate Shannon Shaw's first of the afternoonCity celebrate Shannon Shaw's first of the afternoon (Image: R.S.BROWN)

He said: "We're not going to look back on that game in May and think 'what a performance', but there were lots of moments in there.

"For me, the big shoutout is Sienna Booty. She started the game, she's 16-years-old, and has dominated the game.

"Her and Eloise there, both of them are under the age of 18. They can't drink legally yet, they can barely learn how to drive, and they're coming on and dominating a game for Norwich, so it's fantastic for both of them.

"Shawsy is on the spot all the time. (For) the second one, I thought Holly (Kennard) was going to score a header off the bench for the second week running, but the keeper's made a great save and Shannon's there to finish it off.

"That's what you need to do and we're pleased that she got a couple of goals."

Cook's side are undefeated in all competitions since August and their defensive record is a key reason for why they are so difficult to beat, with Sarah Quantrill keeping her seventh clean sheet of the campaign against Actonians.

"We've worked really hard defensively this season," Morran stated. "Obviously we lost a few players (in the summer), but we also gained a few players defensively.

"We're working really well as a unit, from the front pack to the back. Everyone's really well-drilled in terms of the press and also knowing to sit in at times. We've just been making smarter decisions."

Morran will be absent from City's squad for their upcoming trip to London Bees, and the Canaries will also be without key creative player Ellie Smith, with Cook disclosing that she is set for a spell on the sidelines.

"She took a knock against Needham (Market) in her knee," he said. "We don't know exactly what it is but it's going to keep her out for a little while.

"If we see her before the new year, that'll be a bonus, but I don't think we will.

"So she's out for a little while, but Toddy (Megan Todd) will be back hopefully soon. It's one of those where you lose one, you potentially gain another, and that's the way it goes.

"That's why we need the squad, but when you've got players like Sienna starting today, and the performance she put in, it's fantastic.

"And obviously KK (Katie Knights) as well has not been in a few squads because of her working schedule, so you've got players that can come into the squad as well, which is fantastic."

 

Norwich City (3-4-3): Quantrill; Flye, Medd-Gill, Strauss; Daviss (Kennard 72), Booty, Morran, Tomlinson (Snelling 77); Shaw, Densley, Symonds (Cook 84). Unused sub: Todd.