AN INVERKEITHING Hillfield Swifts footballer has been told to "dream big" after netting a special surprise from one of her heroes.

Robyn Clarkson, who plays for the girls' under 12 side, was delighted when a letter – and a signed shirt – came through the door from Scotland defender Sophie Howard.

In the letter, Sophie thanks Robyn for her support and tells her to "keep working hard and dreaming big."

She adds: "Hopefully one day I will be able to come to Hampden to cheer you on in a couple of years."

Robyn, 11, who plays as a defensive midfielder and sometimes a winger, was delighted with the surprise package.

"I am still really excited right now," she said. "My papa had reached out to her and one day I came back from school and there was a package with my name on it. I was really surprised when I opened it and I got really excited. It was really nice.

"She inspires me – the whole team really inspire me. I have been to watch them multiple times and she (Sophie) is one of my favourites."

Mum Vivian said Robyn, who travels through from Kirkcaldy for training twice a week and for matchdays, has been inspired by her Scotland heroes.

"My dad had messaged to say how big a fan Robyn was. It has built her confidence and inspired her to keep pushing it," she said. "It was a lovely surprise for her.

"She watches every football game that is on. After lockdown, she was asking to play football and it has brought on her confidence massively. She wants to be a footballer and that is the dream she is pushing for."