This week Scotland Under-19s are in action in Limerick as they aim to qualify for the European Championships in August for the first time in three years.

The 18-year-old Chelsea midfielder has been drafted into the squad by Gareth Evans who kick-off their UEFA Elite Round today against the Republic of Ireland at 7pm.

They will then play Finland on Thursday and Ukraine on Sunday to finish the week.

The six group winners and the runner-up with the best record against the teams first and third in their pool will will join hosts Northern Ireland in the finals from 8 to 20 August.

After signing for the London club at the tail end of last year, Cuthbert has been adjusting to life down south, becoming more confident on and off the field.

Having played at the start of the season, coming off the bench on two occasions, she was asked to play for the Under-19s this week in their three matches as opposed to playing in the ‘A’ squad match against Belgium on 11 April.

She will captain the side, joining Hibernian star Chelsea Cornet as one of the leaders in the squad and is excited about the team’s prospects in a group she believes they can excel in.

She said: “In the past we’ve been handed some really tough draws but this week will be interesting as all of the teams in our group are of similar quality so I’d imagine the matches will be tight but I’m confident in our ability.

“I’m really looking forward to this week to try and get a lot of games under my belt instead of only playing in one game, for the ‘A’ squad against Belgium.

“A lot of the girls in the 19s aren’t far off playing for the ‘A’ team and I’m really looking forward to playing with them this week."

Putting on the captain’s armband is something Cuthbert is used to and a role she thrives in.

“I’ve captained the team a few times in the past and it’s something I like to take in my stride,” she said.

“I’m pretty vocal on the pitch I would say but there will be no motivational speeches required from me in the dressing room as all the girls are so focused on doing well.”

UEFA Women’s Under 19 Championship 2016/17 Elite Round Fixtures

Tuesday 4th April

Scotland v Republic of Ireland, kick-off 7pm

Thursday 6th April

Finland v Scotland, kick-off 3pm

Sunday 9th April

Ukraine v Scotland, kick-off 2pm

Scotland Under-19 Squad

Goalkeepers

Erin Clachers (Glasgow City)

Rebecca Flaherty (Liverpool)

Defenders

Ellis Dalgliesh (Celtic)

Lauren Doran-Barr (Rangers)

Jordan McLintock (Rangers)

Cailin Michie (Hibernian)

Donna Paterson (Aberdeen)

Courtney Whyte (Celtic)

Midfielders

Claire Adams (Rangers)

Chelsea Cornet (Hibernian)

Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea)

Amy Gallacher (Hibernian)

Brogan Hay (Glasgow City)

Samantha Kerr (Glasgow City)

Forwards

Carla Boyce (Glasgow City)

Kirsty Hanson (Doncaster)

Shannon McGregor (Aberdeen)