Weir getting our rewards for hard work

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

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

Jane Ross followed up her own shot to score from the rebound just after the halfhour mark, with Lisa Evans sealing the victory 12 minutes from time. Scotland dominated 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 Weir 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.

The shortlist includes six players from the Netherlands side that won Euro 2017, and Weir added: “It’s an honour to be nominated alongside players I look up to.”