Scotland Ladies coach Anna Signeul has spoken of her frustration that striker Kim Little was omitted from the FIFA women’s Player of the Year shortlist for the second successive season.

Little, who is currently on-loan in Melbourne from Seattle, is held in significant esteem in the USA but the fact that Scotland have never been to the European Championships or a World Cup has limited her exposure.

And Siguel is certain that if Scotland had qualified for any of the major tournaments that the impact of the 25-year-old would have been difficult to ignore.

“Last year, 2014, there was no World Cup, no Euros, no Olympics,” said Signeul. “It wasn't so much about the national teams as the leagues around the world (in choosing the shortlist).

“I was more surprised last year because she scored the most goals, had the most assists, was the most valuable player (in the American league) - and she wasn't nominated. This year I was less surprised because it was a World Cup year.

“This is one of the reasons I want us to go to a major championship. When I arrived I wanted to qualify for Julie Fleeting's sake as an outstanding player as well as for the team, and now it's Kim. She should be playing in a championship because she's one of the best players in the world. In the USA they think she's the best No 10 in the world - not everybody in Europe and on the Fifa jury knows that.

“If we qualify for these finals the whole of Europe will see how good Kim Little is.

“I looked at the jury last year when I was a bit disappointed that Kim wasn't on it. They are people from all around the world (on the jury) - they maybe don't go to many games but sit and watch the World Cup on TV.

“All these players nominate who should be on the list, but now it's up to the coaches and captains to vote. She's not on it, which is a shame. It's something we highlighted to Fifa last year (Kim not being on the list). I just did it verbally to people I know. I said it was something that was maybe worth looking into.”

Scotland play Belarus tonight at Fir Park in their first home game of the European Championship qualifiers. Siguel’s side beat Slovenia 3-0 last month and are keen to maintain their winning form.

“Counter-attacking is their thing and they physically have a presence,”said Signeul. “They will try to play the long ball to get in behind us. Against Slovenia they played 4-2-2 but I think they will play 4-1-4-1 against us and try to put a lot of players around Kim. That will just be a challenge for her.

“We can play the game in a much higher tempo. We need to move the ball quickly and play in a higher speed (than them). If we play too slow it will be difficult to break them down.”