A SHANDON hockey star has been named as one of six key players in a new initiative which aims to see Scotland’s national team achieve a place in the world’s top 10.

Fiona Burnet will team up with captain Sarah Robertson, vice-captain Katie Robertson, Amy Costello, Becky Ward, and Eve Pearson to work towards head coach Chris Duncan’s target.

Currently lying just outside the top 20, the squad are prepared to put in the work over the next few years.

Fiona, who has been involved in the national team for eight years, said: “We’ll be supporting Chris the coach, Sarah, and Katie in everything they do.

“If there are decisions to be made, we will be consulted and will represent the voices of the wider squad to make sure that everyone has their say.

“It’s great having this in place because it makes the process of any key decisions being made a lot more inclusive.

“Whether you’ve just joined and you have no caps or you’ve got 150 caps, everyone feels included and valued.

“We’re in a good place to build and grow. It’s going to take a lot of energy and effort, but we’re really well placed right now.”

The 25-year-old, who works in international relations for the UK Parliament and plays her club hockey for Wimbledon, believes reaching the world’s top 10 could have a huge impact on the game in Scotland.

She added: “It would be absolutely massive for us to achieve that.

“As a squad, a lot of us have other jobs and commitments, whether it be studying, working or family.

“We’re not in a privileged position to be able to train full time, whereas a lot of other countries have the funding to do that.

“If we were able to take steps forward and achieve that, it would be huge for not just Scottish sport, but for women’s sport as well.

“I think it would play a massive part in inspiring the next generation of players and ensuring hockey continues to grow in Scotland.”

For now, the focus is on the build-up to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in July, followed by August’s EuroHockey qualifiers in France.

The squad has matches against Wales, England U21s, and Italy lined up over the next month in preparation for Birmingham, as well as training camps.

Fiona said: “It will be full on for the next couple of months, but everyone is fully committed to maximising our time together so we can perform to our best at the Commonwealth Games.”