Weir all getting benefit of hard work

SCOTLAND midfielder Caroline Weir believes hard work on the training ground is starting to pay off following her side’s 2-0 win over New Zealand.

The victory, at the Pinatar Arena in Spain, was the fourth in six games since Shelley Kerr replaced Anna Signeul after the Euros – but the first over higher ranked opposition.

Jane Ross followed up her own shot to score from the rebound just after the half hour, with Lisa Evans sealing the victory 12 minutes from time.

Scotland dominated the chances, but also had goalkeeper Lee Alexander to thank for a fine save when the score was 1-0.

Weir, who hit the bar with a fierce 25-yard strike in the second half, said: “We’re happy with that performance. We created a lot of opportunities and they really struggled with our threat going forward.

“Across the pitch we were more composed, knew exactly what we wanted to do, and where to get the ball. We’re working hard on improving our attacking options in training.”

Although she just failed to score, the win capped an auspicious 36 hours for the Liverpool player. The day before the game she was shortlisted for the 2017 Women’s World XI by the international players’ union FIFPro, which means she received a lot of votes from PFA members.

The shortlist includes six players from the Dutch side which won Euro 2017 and former Hibernian player Weir said: “It’s an honour to be nominated alongside players I look up to.

“I had no idea at all it was going to happen until it was announced.”

Scotland captain Rachel Corsie made her first appearance since October when she came on as a substitute for Jen Beattie in the second half. There was also a late international debut for Durham striker Zoe Ness.