British Handball performance director Lorraine Brown has backed Scotland’s Lynn McCafferty to lead Great Britain to victory against Finland next week.

McCafferty – the Great Britain captain – plies her trade for Italian division two team Brixen.

But she will return to the national side for two European Championship pre-qualification matches against Finland on September 23 and 26.

And Brown insists McCafferty is the vital piece in the jigsaw as Great Britain look to progress to qualification proper.

“She is an absolutely integral part of our women’s team – she’s a fantastic leader but also, in terms of her handball skills, she’s a powerhouse within the team,” said Brown.

“She just won’t give up and that determination rubs off on the other women when they’re in a game, which bodes well for the Finland match.

“Lynn has moved abroad four times to play for her clubs – it shows she’s absolutely determined to maintain her performance and move forward.”