A schoolgirl superfan of Irvine footballer Erin Cuthbert is supporting her World Cup idol from 5,000 miles away.

Football-mad Chelsea McCaw is watching Scotland’s progress through the Women’s World Cup from her home in Oshawa, Ontario in Canada and is cheering on her favourite payer Erin.

Irvine Times:

The seven-year-old has been a life-long Scotland fan, following in the footsteps of grandparents Jim and Avril McCaw, both 69, who emigrated to Canada from Irvine in 1973.

Just last week as the Scotland side touched down in France ahead of their clash with England, Chelsea tweeted a message of support to the team, and specifically 20-year-old Irvine-born Erin, which the football star then liked.

Chelsea’s mum Elizabeth McCaw told the Times: “Chelsea was so excited knowing that Erin took the time to like her post on the day they arrived in Paris.”

Irvine Times:

Chelsea, who also shares her name with Erin’s club team, has ‘Cuthbert’ printed on the back of her Scotland strip and plays for her local team Oshawa Kicks.

Mum Elizabeth, who is executive director of the club, says Chelsea is hoping to one day repeat former Kilwinning Sports Club player Erin’s success and play for her country.

She said: “Chelsea’s heritage is Canadian, Scottish and Italian and all three countries will be represented at the women’s world cup this year for the first time.

Irvine Times:

“The women’s game is making this possible and as an executive director of a football club in Canada, I am exceptionally proud that this moment is able to happen for my daughter.

“It is unlikely the men’s world cup would be able to offer her this opportunity.”