Two players who did throw themselves straight into the big time – and have remained there – are Cuthbert and Weir.

As teenagers, the pair moved to Chelsea and Arsenal respectively. Cuthbert has consistently lifted trophies in London while Weir’s career has taken her to Manchester, Madrid and now Lyon.

Plenty in France will be holding their breath and crossing their fingers the incident that led to the back-to-back Ballon d’Or nominee dropping out of the starting line-up is not serious.

With the Sweden double-header just seven weeks away, so will every Scotland fan.

It’s natural given the calibre of the players that their presence wasmissed, but it remains a concern how heavily Andreatta’s side rely on them.

In Friday’s first leg, it was the same – it was wise heads that hauled them through.

Weir’s moment of magic sparked the Scots while Claire Emslie’s first goal since becoming a mum gave them the crucial cushion. Cuthbert came on for her first minutes since June.

She, like Weir, would run through brick walls for Scotland to get to the World Cup. Facing the Swedes, who are back-to-back World Cup semi-finalists, might feel just like that.

But it’s why Cuthbert had a wee worry when her pal was forced to pull out in Paisley. It’s not in her make-up.

“Caroline doesn’t go down easy,” she added.

“When she feels like she can’t continue, normally I’m a wee bit worried. Hopefully she’s fit for the Sweden games.”

The severity of her injury is still unknown, with Andreatta’s post-match media coming too soon to tell anymore than it was a “precautionary“ withdrawal in Paisley.

The home of St Mirren will be home to Scotland women again on 1 December, before the sides meet in Stockholm four days later.

An almighty double-header and the Scots will need to be fully fit, functioning and firing on all cylinders.

Davidson will be desperate to have the sublime support act of Cuthbert and Weir behind her.



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