Vicky MacQueen, former England Women's rugby international, says a great opportunity awaits Clermont Foot boss Corinne Diacre in demonstrating the managerial abilities of women.

The former France women's captain Diacre is preparing for her first league match in charge of the Auvergne-based outfit as they travel to Brest in their opening match of Ligue 2 on Monday. MacQueen who has had a first-hand experience in coaching men's rugby at Hinckley RFC, asserts that Diacre is taking the right path and her appointment is a step closer to women empowerment and equality in sport.

"It's absolutely brilliant-the more women coaches we see in that kind of role is vital and it just shows that women are out there and can do it," MacQueen said and then added that there might be some misconceptions about her but she could just imagine the triumph and as soon as Diacre started, she will gain the respect of many.

"It shouldn't be judged on whether you are a man or a woman. It should be based on if you can do the job."

"If you can do the job, then that's great but fair play to her, she's doing really well and I wish her luck for the game."

The appointment of Diacre and comments on her managerial abilities will definitely attract the limelight for weeks that is for certain. MacQueen believes that Diacre will find it easier to coach men rather than women.

"They just take on board what's been told to them, they listen and they do it. Women question a lot more, which in a lot of ways is a good thing but women do like to question why we are doing this."

Diacre took place the former manager Helena Costa whose reign at Clermont Foot lasted for only seven weeks. MacQueen, on the other hand, is pleased to see that another woman will be able to prove herself in managing the club.

"I think they've kept faith in the fact that she was right for the job whether she is a man or a woman and I find that really refreshing."