Finland national coach accidentally names retired 51-year-old Stina Ruuskanen in place of defender Nanne Ruuskanen
The manager of Finland's women's football team has apologised after accidentally naming a 51-year-old former player in the squad for their match against Serbia.
When naming the line-up, Outi Saarinen mistakenly selected the long-retired Stina Ruuskanen instead of 23-year-old defender Nanne Ruuskanen for the Women's Nations League match.
The error was not spotted until after the team sheet deadline had passed so the younger Ruuskanen missed the 1-1 draw.
Her older namesake, who is no relation, won the last of her two Finland caps 29 years ago and took the mix-up in good spirits.
"I'm definitely ready if the call comes! Just yesterday I was playing in a hobby league match … so my game feel is good," Stina told the Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat.
In a statement from the Finnish Football Association, Saarinen apologised for the error.
"Nanne was, of course, disappointed but took the news very well considering the circumstance," she said.
"I am very sorry for the mistake."
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