BASKETBALL : Coach Ben Gunne-ing for rivals.

Byline: BY MARKWOODS

WOMEN'S coach Ben Gunne has warned Scotland's Euro rivals not to be fooled by his side's recent hiccups.

Gunne says no-one should take the Scots lightly at next week's European Promotions Cup despite three defeats by Luxembourg in their final warm-ups last weekend.

Gunne revealed he didn't show his full hand in the trio of friendlies in case the two nations end up clashing in the tournament final.

But he reckons that once he unveils every trick in his book when the real action gets under way in Andorra, Scotland should have no fears.

Gunne said: 'It's all about being ready for the first game against Iceland and that's likely to be the toughest match in the group stages.

'The schedule then pits us against Andorra, Azerbaijan and Malta so in theory it starts hard and gets easier as the first phase progresses.'

Although the Scots fly out on Sunday without German-based Joanna Sutherland and Stateside star Charlotte Nelson, Gunne believes there is enough strength in depth to fill the gaps.

He said: 'The women's game is going in the right direction.

'There are good coaches all around Scotland bringing players through and if you look at this squad we have two girls who play professionally in Holland.

'Our preparations have also been much better than in the past.

'Previously we only got together every two years just before an event like this and it was a shock to the system.

'Now it's all about regular training as a group and regular games.

'That has helped bring everyone together as a team.'