Image source, SNSImage caption, Scotland's women will play back-to-back qualifiers with Israel in Hungary
ByClive LindsayBBC Sport Scotland- Published45 minutes ago
Scotland's players have not discussed boycotting their World Cup qualifying double-header against Israel, says midfielder Christy Grimshaw.
Both the home and away games between the countries will be played behind closed doors in Hungary after European football governing body Uefa ruled that no matches can be held in Israel for security reasons.
And the Scottish FA explained that the decision to play both matches at a neutral venue was "in line with the other teams in Group B4" and that refusing to play would mean forfeiting the points.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is facing a motion backed by the Irish PFA that could force their men's team to pull out of Nations League fixtures against Israel later this year.
And asked on Tuesday if not playing had been discussed by the Scotland squad, Grimshaw replied: "Honestly, no.
"We are obviously aware of all the situations with the Irish players as well with Israel.
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"Ultimately, we have to let the people who are in charge of these situations - the governing bodies who decide these things - decide.
"We, as players, have been put in a situation where it's the Israel game at a neutral venue and that's all we can do.
"Is it the best circumstances surrounding it? Of course not, because we are aware of everything else that's going on and we feel for that as humans.
"However, right now we have to adapt to the situation and play football. That's our role and that's all we can do."
Grimshaw has been recalled to the Scotland squad following a two-year absence after recovering from a knee injury.
Asked if she personally had thought of turning down the opportunity for the games against Israel, the AC Milan midfielder said she was a human and a footballer - "two separate people".
"But it's a long time I've been out and, when the national team calls, as a footballer I would never say no to my national team," she added.
Grimshaw said it is "not ideal" that she could be adding to her 16 caps in an empty Bozsik Arena in Budapest on Friday.
"We'd love to be playing in Scotland, but we just have to play the role we've been given and that's to perform and adapt in the best way we can," she said.
"We're human, we are aware, but we can't change it. We are footballers and have a job to do - and it's to get six points in these two games."
Scotland go into the game top of Group B4 on goal difference from a Belgium side who play their double-header against bottom side Luxembourg.
