COMBINING school studies with football is not unusual for Robyn McCafferty but she admits sharing a pitch with Scotland stars heading to the World Cup is "surreal".

But the talented Woodmill High School pupil, who has captained her country at under-17 level, says she's relishing the challenge of playing in Scotland's top division and reckons it is already improving her game.

Robyn, 15, left Hibernian – for whom she had been featuring in their under-19 performance team – after nine years to sign for Spartans, and take the chance to play in the Scottish Building Society Scottish Women's Premier League One.

That means going up against the likes of the Hibees, Celtic, Rangers and Glasgow City at senior level, and she made her competitive debut against the latter as a 63rd minute substitute on Sunday.

Among the players featuring for City – the reigning champions – were Leanne Crichton, Leanne Ross, Jo Love and Hayley Lauder, all of whom will be hoping to be included in Shelley Kerr's squad for this summer's World Cup in France.

It's a big step up for Robyn but, speaking to Press Sport, she explained: "I couldn't believe I was on the same pitch as them.

"Seven of their team are Scotland internationals but I know that's where I want to be. It is inspiring and I want to work hard and hope that I can get there too.

"The move to Spartans has been a big thing. It was a hard decision to leave Hibs after nine years, and I spoke to a few clubs, but a new challenge and the offer of Premier League football was something I couldn't turn down.

"I went to my first training session and, within 10-15 minutes of being there, it felt right. The atmosphere at the club was a massive attraction; on my first night, the whole first team were upstairs at an under-11 awards night, presenting awards and chatting to them.

"I've been there for a couple of months and it's been unbelievable. I'm buzzing for the rest of the season. It's still pretty surreal – my team-mates give me a bit of stick for being the baby of the group!

"It's a real challenge but I'm really excited. I hope to be at Spartans for a long time – it feels like home to me."

Robyn, who this week joined up with the Scotland under-17 squad for a three-day training camp, continued: "Playing in SWPL One, I kinda thought 'Woah'. I might not get loads of game time but it has motivated me to work so hard to get into the starting XI.

"I wanted a challenge, and I knew it would a big challenge physically and technically, but also mentally. The girls around me are helping me adapt and bridge the gap, and I feel already that I am improving.

"I want to improve as much as I possibly can and I think that will happen with the players and coaches around me.

"The set-up is brilliant and the players are assigned to a different youth team to help them with training. It's a nice thing to do and you never think that would happen at 15, that people look up to you.

"It's heartwarming that you're inspiring young girls to take up the sport. You can make a real impact, and it's amazing to be part of it."