THE notion Hibernian might finally end Glasgow City’s phenomenal run of 12 successive Scottish titles, and win their own first since 2007, took a huge hit last week.

While the departures of Abi Harrison, Rachel McLauchlan and Emma Brownlie to FA WSL clubs were not unexpected, they became the sixth, seventh and eighth players to leave Hibs since last summer.

Harrison scored 95 goals in her 113 games since joining from Celtic, while McLauchlan and Brownlie, in their different ways, were also very influential players in Grant Scott’s side.

Harrison looked set to join Everton, as both she and Brownlie trained with the club last month and are highly thought of by manager Willie Kirk and his assistant Chris Roberts – both former Hibs head coaches. However, her move south depended on Everton shifting a player out and the deal fell through.

Ironically, on Thursday Everton succeeded in moving on the player concerned when striker Claudia Walker joined Birmingham City on loan. But, by that time, Harrison had signed for Bristol City.

Brownlie is now at Everton, while McLauchlan has joined Yeovil Town. She could line up against Harrison today as their new clubs meet in the Women’s Super League. All roads now lead to England for the top young Scottish players, with even the lure of a full-time set-up at Celtic possibly not enough to keep them in this country.

In the case of the three players who moved south last week, the incentive is not just money but the perception it will improve their chances of being included in Shelley Kerr’s World Cup squad.

Harrison and McLauchlan were among the group of 13 domestic players due to benefit from full-time training in the lead-up to the tournament. Brownlie wasn’t included, but is a cultured and intelligent defender who can’t have been far out of the frame.

Abbi Grant, who broke the mould by moving to Belgian football with Anderlecht earlier this month, adds to the tally, leaving 10 players in a group that includes four goalkeepers.

Five of the six outfield players are with Glasgow City, as is Scotland No 1 keeper Lee Alexander, and for that reason alone, the champions must be favourites to make it 13 in a row this year.

SCOTLAND'S friendlies against Norway and Iceland in La Manga both resulted in defeats, and – sad to relate – didn't provide the compensation of younger outfield players seizing the opportunities afforded to them.

The Iceland game in particular was a big chance for some, but it didn't work out. Having said that, it was the side's third most capped player who, in the early stages, passed the ball out of play three times and directed another attempted pass to the Icelandic keeper.

The World Cup preparations will start in earnest at the Algarve Cup in early March when captain Rachel Corsie, Kim Little and other first choice players should again be available. Iceland are back on the menu, and on the basis of Monday's evidence the result can be reversed.

On a positive note, Manchester City midfielder Caroline Weir continues to get better and better at international level and scored her first goal of the Kerr regime from the penalty spot against Norway.

WHILE Hibs reel from the loss of three more key players, Edinburgh rivals Hearts will flesh out their plans for the enhanced women's section this week. Aberdeen will also announce their revamped in-house intentions, with the side to be under the new management team of Emma Hunter and Harley Hamdani.