AS the top seeds, and with a strong European history, Danish side Brondby will be the justified favourites to beat Glasgow City in the last 16 of the Champions League later this month.

Nevertheless, Monday's draw in Nyon was a very positive outcome for City. They avoided the top six clubs, while Slavia Praha – who beat Hibs 9-2 on aggregate in the previous round – aren't slow to come forward.

Brondby beat Swedish side Pitea, who are having a mediocre season, 2-1 on aggregate in the last 32. They will host the first leg against City on October 16, with the return at Petershill Park 15 days later – after both clubs agreed to switch the original dates.

The Danes have reached the semi-finals of the tournament (counting its predecessor, the Uefa Women's Cup) on three occasions, while City will be attempting to reach the quarter finals for a second time. The previous was in 2014-15, which was also the last occasion Brondby made the semis.

Scott Booth and his players now only need to win their next two SWPL1 games against Forfar Farmington and Motherwell to be guaranteed a record 13th successive Scottish title and qualify, yet again, for the 2020-21 Champions League. They have pulled even further away from their domestic opponents this season, while also having an opportunity to equal their best ever season in Europe.

The prospects of beating Brondby are reasonable because City's squad is stronger this season. They have lost Abbi Grant, but Clare Shine and Eilish McSorley have rejoined while the versatile Rachel McLauchlan is becoming ever more influential. Kirsty Howat is Scotland's top scorer, and there is heavy international experience guiding talented young players at the heart of the side.

Off the field, City are also beefing up to cope with the increased competition from Scotland's top men's clubs which must now inevitably come, however belatedly. Rangers and Hearts have declared their hands, although Celtic have yet to convert intent into action.

“It's going to be tougher every season,” Dave Buglass, who was appointed head of football operations earlier this year, conceded. He is restructuring the club's academy and attempting to bring more finance into the club, while former head coach (and Celtic manager) Peter Caulfield has returned to take charge of recruitment and scouting.

SCOTLAND'S male footballers are often portrayed in an unflattering light, so full credit to Martin Boyle. The Hibernian forward was literally left holding the toddler last week* when wife Rachael was otherwise engaged at Scotland's five-day training camp in Edinburgh.

“Oh God, yes,” was the response when Boyle was asked how much she has relied on back-up since the birth of the couple's twelve month old daughter, Amelia, and her own subsequent return to football. Even prior to the training camp she had been abroad three times with Hibs this year, including a lengthy stint in Slovenia for Champions League qualifying.

“Martin gets support from close family friends who live round the corner. They work wonders helping us with Amelia,” the player, who has 31 Scotland caps, explained.

“When he's at training they'll look after Amelia for us, and when he gets back he collects her, takes her home and takes care of her when I'm away.”

“Coming back to football from having a baby is probably the hardest and most challenging thing I've ever done. But it's so rewarding, especially this season playing in the Champions League and getting to the last 32.

“I've always said I would like to be available for Scotland selection again. I was absolutely delighted when Shelley gave me the call. It was only a training camp but that took the pressure off and allowed me to get back in with some of the girls I hadn't seen for a long time.”

WEST Ham striker Martha Thomas impressed Kerr during the Edinburgh training camp and will now weigh up her options. Like former Scotland central defender Ifeoma Dieke, the 23-year-old is qualified to play for three countries, the others being England and the USA.