Team Lanarkshire's girls' football team will rely on more than plain old Scottish grit and determination at this week's International Children's Games.

The squad, led by Dumbarton FC under-19s coach Kevin Murphy, will be up against teams from around the world, including the skilful South Koreans and athletic Americans.

And Kevin, 26, hopes his players will have a bit of both when they take to the pitch at Hamilton Palace Sports Ground for Friday's big kick-off.

The 45th International Children's Games (ICG) kicks off in Lanarkshire on Thursday with a sold-out opening ceremony at Motherwell FC's Fir Park.

The following day, the competitive action begins with teams representing 80 cities from around the world taking part in a range of sports.

The competition in the girls' football event is red hot, and Team Lanarkshire will have their work cut out if they are to win a medal for their efforts.

Kevin said: "We'll have to play teams from the USA, Canada and South Korea in the qualifying stages.

"And without wanting to resort to stereotypes, I think it's fair to say the Americans are likely to be very physical, while the South Koreans will definitely be skilful and technical.

"I hope we have a mix of both, and some Scottish passion, and I'm sure the girls will be a good match for any team."

The tournament is played in a six-a-side format, and Kevin has a squad of eight.

That was whittled down from a much larger pool of players from clubs throughout Lanarkshire who noted their interest in playing at the ICG.

In the end, the chosen eight came from just four clubs.

Celtic is represented by three 14-year-olds – midfielders Cara Wilkie and Georgie Rafferty, and forward Carla Jackson.

Wishaw Juniors also has three 14-year-olds in the squad – goalkeeper Danielle McNamara, defender Nadene Traynor and midfielder Deborah McLeod.

The squad is completed by 13-year-old defender Emma Malavin of Glasgow girls and 14-year-old Hamilton Accies forward Jodie Brannan.

Kevin, who has 10 years of coaching experience and holds a Uefa B licence, is an active schools co-ordinator with South Lanarkshire Council.

He has coached both men's teams and women and girls' sides in his career.

Hailing from Hamilton, he is thrilled to be playing a part in the ICG right on his own doorstep.

Even if the ICG format took his players a little getting used to, he has high hopes.

Kevin said: "It has been a bit alien to us because we don't play six-a-side in Scotland.

"Our players are more used to 11-a-side, but we've had to adapt and the training has been very good and competitive.

"There is more to think about in six-a-side and fitness is very important because the players have a bigger area to cover.

"The matches run for two halves of 20 minutes, and we might play in two games a day depending on how we get on.

"We're approaching this in a very positive frame of mind, and as all coaches will tell you, there's no point playing in any competition if you're not going out to win it"

For more information on the tournament and to see the full games schedule, log on to www.icg-lanarkshire2011.com