Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Sport
Ian Chadband

Ellie Carpenter back in experimental Matildas line-up

Ellie Carpenter, seen here in her last international against New Zealand, is back for the Matildas. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

The Matildas have welcomed back star fullback Ellie Carpenter, thrusting her straight into the starting line-up against Scotland after her two-year international absence through injury.

The adventurous 22-year-old Lyon defender hasn't played for the national team since rupturing her ACL in their Women's Champions League final victory last year.

But almost two years since shining in her last Matildas outing in a win over New Zealand, Carpenter - one of the keys to a successful home World Cup - was drafted in by coach Tony Gustavsson to tackle the Scots at AFC Wimbledon's Plough Lane stadium on Friday.

She features in a largely experimental line-up, with Australia missing half-a-dozen important players through injury.

Claire Polkinghorne leads the side on her 155th appearance with Sam Kerr on the bench, presumably with Gustavsson preparing to save his superstar striker for the glamour match against England at Brentford on Tuesday, the key final overseas outing before the World Cup.

Western Sydney Wanderers' defender Clare Hunt has been chosen to make her international debut for the world's No.10-ranked side against the 23rd-ranked Scots, who feature their own star midfielder - a certain Sam Kerr.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.