Scrambling is a word that would commonly be used to describe opposing full-backs after Claire Emslie has left them in the dust with her elusive and explosive wing play, but it was the Scottish international who was left in a frantic state as she desperately tried to return home amid the coronavirus global pandemic.

The Edinburgh-born attacker spent the last few months in Australia on loan at Melbourne City from US side Orlando Pride.

It was a highly successful move with Emslie helping City to their first A-League Grand Final triumph in four years. This included a goal in the 5-1 semi-final destruction of Western Sydney.

Claire Emslie in action for Melbourne City.

Overall, the 26-year-old netted five times tallied three assists in 12 games down under as City also picked up the league title.

The final match saw them take on Sydney for the ultimate prize. Unfortunately, due to rising restrictions in Australia, the showcase fixture had to be played behind closed doors. City were able to triumph thanks to a 15th minute goal from Stephanie Catley.

Immediately after the final, Emslie threw herself into a bid to return home before flights were cancelled. Only now is she getting the chance to saviour her success.

“After the game I had a lot of mixed emotions as I was delighted to win the game but also absolutely desperate to get back to Manchester before everything went into lockdown and flights were cancelled," she told the Scottish FA website.

“I was drug tested straight after the game so I missed a lot of the celebrations which was unfortunate.

“I then went straight from the game to the airport for the big journey home. I had to rush about various airports but now I’m back, I can properly relax and reflect.

“There was a lot of uncertainty in the build up to the final about whether we’d be able to get home as the situation is obviously worsening across the world.

"The coronavirus hadn't really hit Australia until recently but the situation began to change rapidly and we had to play the final behind closed doors.

“I feel incredibly grateful to have managed to get back home OK."

Emslie made the decision to move to Melbourne to continue playing while the US league was in the off-season. Though the final moments may have been a bit stressful, she only has good things to say about her experience across the other side of the world.

“Melbourne is a great club with amazing people, in a lovely city. I don’t think I’ve enjoyed football as much in a while and I’m so grateful for the experience.

“It was a big deal for the club to win the trophy as this was their fourth time lifting it and I wanted to finish the season on a high after an enjoyable few months in Australia."

Prior to the outbreak, Emslie was expecting to head straight back to Florida to help Orlando prepare for the beginning of the National Women's Soccer League, which was originally scheduled to begin on April 18. However, the start of the new campaign has now been delayed due to health fears in the US.

In the meantime, she will remain in Manchester with her boyfriend, chef Jonny Marsh, while she awaits further instructions from Orlando's English manager Marc Skinner.

“I have a meeting with my Orlando Pride coach tonight who will give me a fitness programme to tide me over, but for the next wee while I’ll just be resting, to recover from the season, and get over the jet lag," she added.

“Now that I’m home, I’m taking advantage of being told to stay inside and rest up.”

Edinburgh-born football star Claire Emslie safely back home after desperate dash across the world

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