Scotland: How relegation prompted ‘confident’ and unbeaten Euro 2025 qualifying campaign

While much has been accomplished, only part one of the job is complete.

The overarching objective is to reach next summer’s Euros in Switzerland and after back-to-back disappointment in missing Euro 2022 and the 2023 World Cup, Cuthbert and co couldn’t be hungrier.

In the build-up to both, the 25-year-old was forced to tune out of the chat in the star-studded Chelsea dressing room. Next season, she wants to be initiating the talk.

“I don’t want to hear people in the changing room, at my club and at everyone else’s club, talking about the tournament when are you going, who’s in your group,” she said.

“I just want to be part of those conversations, I don’t want them to pass me by.”

Never a player to shy away from pressure, Cuthbert is excited by the play-offs in the knowledge the squad – should – be sharper, and of the possible return of fellow midfield magician, Caroline Weir, who watched on from the stands in Maryhill.

“In the biggest games you need your biggest players, so Caroline is for sure one of them,” she added.

“It’s great to see her in such good physical condition, she says she’s ready so it’ll be great. She’ll get a good pre-season behind her and I’m sure she’ll come in kicking and hungry.”

For now, Scotland eyes turn to Friday’s draw and who will be served up in the play-offs.

It’s Cuthbert’s birthday, so she’s wishing for a “fortuitous” outcome.

As ever, she put in quite the shift on her 70th appearance. A similar effort best be applied in blowing-out those candles if her dream is to come true.