Scott Cuthbert

Celtic

Born in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, Cuthbert was part of the Celtic youth system from the age of 11, signing his first professional contract in August 2003 at the age of 16. He went on to captain the club's under-19's and reserve teams. In the 2007–08 season, Cuthbert was an unused substitute in an Old Firm derby as Celtic lost 3–0.

Livingston (loan)

Cuthbert had a one-month loan spell at Scottish First Division club Livingston during the 2006–07 season, making four appearances. He scored his first professional goal in a 3–1 defeat at home to Airdrie United.

St Mirren (loan)

Cuthbert joined Scottish Premier League club St Mirren in August 2008 on a season-long loan. He made his debut in a 0–0 draw with Kilmarnock on 16 August. He made a total of 34 appearances in all competitions before returning to Celtic. After leaving St Mirren, Cuthbert said a second loan spell was a possibility should he fail to secure a first-team place at Celtic.

Swindon Town

On 13 July 2009, it was announced that Cuthbert had signed for League One club Swindon Town on a two-year contract for a fee thought to be £100,000, despite interest from former loan club St Mirren. Cuthbert made his debut for Swindon on the opening day of 2009–10 in a 5–0 defeat away to Gillingham. He was subsequently left out of the starting lineup for four matches until Swindon faced Wolverhampton Wanderers in the League Cup second round, which they lost 6–5 on penalties following a 0–0 draw after extra time. Cuthbert scored his first goal for Swindon four days later in a 2–1 win at home to Southend United. Towards the end of the season, Swindon were well-placed for promotion to the Championship, but with only one win in their last six games, the club finished in fifth place and would have to contest the play-offs. Swindon defeated Charlton 5–4 on penalties after their two-legged semi-final ended 3–3 after extra time. Cuthbert later said the success of getting to Wembley Stadium in his first season with the club was a dream come true. The play-off final saw Swindon face Millwall and lost the match 1–0, preventing the club from gaining promotion to the Championship. After the defeat, Cuthbert believed the club would be among the favourites for promotion in 2010–11.

At the start of the 2010–11 season, Cuthbert was named as the club's vice-captain. He scored his first goal of the season in a 2–1 defeat away to Milton Keynes Dons on 28 August 2010. Six months later, Cuthbert scored his second goal of the season in a 2–1 defeat away to Colchester United on 12 February 2011. In March, Cuthbert suffered a fractured cheekbone in a 1–1 draw with Dagenham & Redbridge, but was told he didn't need surgery. Swindon were relegated to League Two after a 3–1 defeat away to Sheffield Wednesday on 25 April. Following the completion of the season, Cuthbert reflected on a mistake he made during a 2–1 defeat at home to Notts County, two days before Swindon were relegated, and was intent on returning the following season as a better player. However, Cuthbert was not offered a new contract, despite expressing a desire to remain with the club.

Leyton Orient

On 3 June 2011, Cuthbert signed a two-year contract with League One club Leyton Orient. In the opening game of 2011–12, Cuthbert made his debut, playing as a centre-back in a 1–0 defeat to Walsall. On 13 September, Cuthbert received a red card in a 3–1 defeat at home to Bournemouth and was suspended for three games. Cuthbert scored his first goal for the club on 8 October in a 3–2 win over Scunthorpe United. At the end of October, Cuthbert was nominated for the League One Player of the Month award. On 31 March 2012, in a 2–0 defeat to Charlton Athletic, Cuthbert suffered a hamstring injury that caused him to miss the final seven games of the season. Despite his injury, Cuthbert was named Leyton Orient's Player of the Year for the 2011–12 season. Shortly after receiving it, Cuthbert said that winning the award was his proudest moment.

Ahead of 2012–13, Cuthbert made a recovery from his injury ahead of a friendly match with Ebbsfleet United. After just two appearances, Cuthbert again suffered a hamstring injury that kept him from playing until December 2012. In the Football League Trophy southern section semi-final at home to Yeovil Town, Cuthbert provided a winning assist for Dave Mooney in a 1–0 win to send the club through the southern section final. In a 0–0 draw with Preston North End on 23 March 2013, Cuthbert suffered a fractured metatarsal that caused him to miss the rest of the season. Shortly after the end of the season, Cuthbert signed a new two-year contract with the club.

Cuthbert played most of 2013–14 at right-back, as Leyton Orient came close to promotion to the Championship, ultimately losing on penalties to Rotherham United in the play-off final. Cuthbert played in 54 games in all competitions over the season, scoring four goals.

The 2014–15 season was a complete contrast, as Leyton Orient were relegated on the final day of the season after only managing a 2–2 draw with Cuthbert's former club Swindon Town. After the season ended, Cuthbert was not offered a new contract.

Luton Town

On 26 May 2015, Cuthbert signed a two-year contract with League Two club Luton Town. Upon his arrival, Cuthbert stated "the aim is promotion – I wouldn't have come to this club if I didn't think that was possible." He made his debut for the club on the opening day of 2015–16 in a 1–1 draw with Accrington Stanley. Cuthbert was sent off in second half stoppage time for a professional foul during a 3–2 defeat away to Notts County on 12 September. After the departure of Steve McNulty who joined National League club Tranmere Rovers on loan in October, Cuthbert was named temporary club captain, but was only given the role on a permanent basis after Nathan Jones replaced John Still as manager in January 2016. Cuthbert went off injured during a 1–0 defeat at home to Stevenage on 2 April, but despite his return to training prior to the penultimate match of the season against Northampton Town on 30 April, he did not add to his tally of 40 appearances during the season.

Ahead of 2016–17, Luton manager Nathan Jones confirmed Cuthbert would remain club captain ahead of summer signings Alan Sheehan and Johnny Mullins. On the opening day of the season, Cuthbert was initially named on the bench, but an injury to Alan Sheehan moments before kick-off meant he was called-up to the starting lineup. Luton went on to achieve a 3–0 win away to Plymouth Argyle, after which Cuthbert was praised for his performance by manager Nathan Jones. His performance also earned him a place in the English Football League Team of the Week. After making 50 starting appearances in league matches for Luton, Cuthbert triggered a one-year contract extension to keep him at the club until June 2018.

International career

Cuthbert was captain of the Scotland under-19 team that reached the final of the UEFA under-19 Championships in 2006 and the Scotland under-20 team that played at 2007 Under-20 World Cup in Canada. He also represented Scotland B in May 2009.

Career statistics

Honours

Individual