Erin aims to get it write at ‘business end of the season’
Erin Cuthbert could be forgiven for believing winning the Scottish Football Writers’ Association Women’s International Player of the Year award is an omen for the future.
The Scotland striker will play the first of three semi-final ties for her club in successive weekends when she lines up for Chelsea against Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals today.
After that, there is the small matter of Barcelona to be faced home and away in the last four of the Women’s Champions League.
And all this on the back of Scotland’s 1-0 win over Slovakia at Hampden in the Euro qualifiers last Tuesday.
“Momentum definitely plays a factor. I have come back to Chelsea very happy, in a good mood and in good spirits – ready to go again,” said Cuthbert.
“The break came at a perfect time for me after I was overwhelmed by so many games at club level.
“I have come back fighting, ready, raring to go. We are at the business end of the season.
“We have international games after the season finishes. I think the season is going to prolong a little bit so it’s important to have these breaks during it. But I am really excited to get back to business.
“In terms of the award, it is lovely to be recognised. It is nice to have that recognition for my achievements individually, but it is a team sport, and we have to now kick on and be successful and get Scotland to a major tournament.”
Scotland are currently second in Group B2 behind Serbia on goal difference after two matches – with a doubleheader against Israel at the end of next month.
With seven players missing through injury, including Real Madrid’s Caroline Weir, Cuthbert had extra responsibility against Slovakia and carried it well, providing the assist for Sophie Howard’s winner and generally impressing.
“Being a senior player, which is quite weird to say at 25, I think now we have such a young group in terms of appearances, I probably do regard myself as part of the leadership group,” she said.
“We have to guide the group. I know what it feels like to go to a major tournament. A couple of others know what it feels like to go there.
“You have to drill in that mentality – that it is the best thing in the world, but it takes a lot to get there. You are going to have some tough moments and ride that and learn that football is never going to be perfect.
“I feel we are capable of so much and are on the edge of something. I think there is more to come from this group but it’s up to us to show that.”