Leah Eddie earned her first international cap during Scotland’s friendly against Northern Ireland last week. The 20-year-old Falkirk bairn currently plays for Hibernian where was recently named Women’s Player of the Year.

Leah is a Sottish FA JD Performance School graduate having started her career with Falkirk and Central Ladies Academy before progressing through the initative at Graeme High, which was followed by a stint at Rangers.

We chatted to Leah about her first international cap in Belfast while preparations are under way for Scotland’s friendly against Wales – the last international game before the World Cup qualifiers in September.

How did it feel when you received your first international call-up?

When the announcement was made, I couldn’t even open my phone as there were so many messages flooding in – it was crazy! It took me all of that day and the next to respond to them all. They were all so positive, so it was really encouraging to receive.

How has the camp been so far?

The players and the staff behind the team have just made me feel so welcome. I’m here to try and get myself into the team and prove a point, but at the same time I’m looking to build relationships with everyone, and it’s been an amazing experience so far.

I’m looking to develop and learn as a player, and there’s no better opportunity to do that than around these incredible athletes.

Being in and around the squad and training with them - I feel like this is where I belong. The development for me right now is crucial. It’s so important that I take everything I’m learning on board and make good use of the time I have with some really experienced players.

I watched all the games from the last World Cup, so it’s crazy to think I’m now here with those athletes as we prepare for the next major campaign. Rachel Corsie is someone I really look up to. I’m learning a lot from her in training, especially in terms of the way she applies herself, so I really hope to follow I her footsteps.

You’re the first female to make the women’s first team that has come through the Performance Schools. Do you think the programme had a positive impact on your football career?

As a player, the performance school developed and helped me so much. Being the first women’s player to come through the performance school and make the A squad is a huge achievement for me and for women’s football.

Playing with both girls and boys every day at school for four years has definitely shaped me into the player I am today. The strengths boys bring to the game are different to what girls bring to the game, so I think that’s definitely played a part in helping me get stronger and has improved my technical ability.

I met my two best friends through the Performance School. I keep in touch with them and all the boys regularly and we meet up now and again. Some of them have went to America, down south or are playing in Scotland, so it’s great to see the strength and success of each player that’s coming through the academy.

You just won Women’s Player of the Year at Hibs, how did you find the season?

I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. It was my first one back since a serious injury and I really just wanted to get back playing and get some minutes under my belt, so I’m happy to have had that and for everything I’ve achieved so far.

What do you hope to achieve from the rest of your time in the camp?

I’m taking everything as it comes. I’m looking to build on my performance from the Northern Ireland game and use any opportunity to continuously improve as a player.