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 that the injury 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 was missed, 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 Scotland 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 just feel like that.
Cuthbert could not hide her concern at her friend being forced to pull out in Paisley, because 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.”
Andreatta’s post-match media was too soon to say any more than it was a “precautionary” withdrawal in Paisley.
The home of St Mirren will be home to Scotland’s women again on 1 December before the sides meet in Stockholm four days later.
It is an almighty double-header and the Scots will need to be fully fit and firing on all cylinders to progress.
In-form Davidson will be desperate to have the sublime support act of Cuthbert and Weir alongside her.
