Scotland's women to meet world champions United States in Paisley friendly

United States are the current World Cup holders
United States celebrate their World Cup final victory in 2015

Scotland will begin their preparations for the Women's World Cup with "the ultimate challenge" against United States, says head coach Shelley Kerr.

The current world champions will make their first visit to Scotland for a friendly in Paisley on 13 November.

Scotland will be making their World Cup debut in France next summer, with the tournament draw on 8 December.

"It represents a real opportunity for our players to test themselves against the best in the world," said Kerr.

"The US's record in major tournaments speaks for itself and the players cannot wait to go up against them.

"Having the best team in the world come to Scotland is fantastic and is a measure of how far we've come, when we're attracting this level of opposition."

The Scots reached the World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory in Albania in September, beating Switzerland to top spot in the qualifying group.

As a consequence of that, talks are planned that will result in the women's side being offered improved contracts.

The players signed their existing deals with the Scottish FA two years ago, in the run up to the European championships.

The US are the defending champions and lifted the trophy in 1991 and 1999, while they have also won Olympic gold four times.

Scotland and the USA have met on four previous occasions, with the number one-ranked side in the world winning each time.

Kim Little and Sophie Howard miss out with injuries, with Kerr calling up Glasgow City's Hayler Lauder and Joelle Murray of Hibernian.

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Lee Alexander (Glasgow City), Jenna Fife (Hibernian), Shannon Lynn (Vittsjo GIK)

Defenders: Chloe Arthur (Birmingham City), Jenny Beattie (Manchester City), Frankie Brown (Bristol City), Rachel Corsie (Canberra United on loan from Utah Royals), Joelle Murray (Hibernian), Emma Mitchell (Arsenal), Kirsty Smith (Manchester United)

Midfielders: Lizzie Arnot (Manchester United), Leanne Crichton (Glasgow City), Hayley Lauder (Glasgow City), Jo Love (Glasgow City), Christie Murray (Liverpool), Caroline Weir (Manchester City)

Forwards: Fiona Brown (FC Rosengard), Lana Clelland (ACF Fiorentina), Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea), Claire Emslie (Manchester City), Lisa Evans (Arsenal), Zoe Ness (Durham United),Jane Ross (West Ham United)