Caroline Weir

2016  looks like being  an exciting year in the career of former Hibs’ star Caroline Weir who yesterday announced her move to Liverpool.

She is in the Scotland squad for Tuesday’s match against Sweden in Gothenburg and aware how important the next twelve months could be for both club and country.

Weir who moved from Hibs to Arsenal joined Bristol Academy during the 2015 season but despite some impressive performances, the Scotland internationalist could not prevent relegation.

When Liverpool, who featured in this season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League came calling, it was an easy decision.

Speaking to the Scottish FA website, she said: “2016 could be a really exciting year. The national team is determined to reach the EUROs next year, and we’ve got big games coming up this year that will be decisive in whether we qualify.  Club-wise, I’m eager to earn my place in my new team and play consistently next season.“

“I’m really excited about the move. I’ve known about it for a wee while, so I’m glad I can finally start talking about it” she said.

“I moved down to Liverpool last week, it’s great to be here and have a look around Anfield, and now I’m just eager to get started now.

“Moving to Liverpool is a huge thing for my career. I knew that when I signed for Bristol halfway through the season that there was a risk of relegation. Unfortunately that happened, and I knew that I had to stay in top-flight football. I like playing in England, so it was an easy decision to sign for Liverpool.

“International football is the pinnacle, and to be considered for the national squad you need to be playing consistently at a high standard for your club. When you look at the Scotland squad now, all the players who aren’t playing in Scotland are playing in professional leagues elsewhere. It’s difficult to get into the squad and stay there, so you need to give yourself the best opportunity to be selected.

Weir was captain of the Scotland Women’s Under-19 team that qualified for the UEFA European Championships in 2014. One of her teammates from back then, Zoe Ness of Mallbackens in Sweden, follows Weir, Megan Cunningham, Chloe Arthur, Fiona Brown, Lizzie Arnot and Lucy Graham as the latest player from Gareth Evans’ team to be called up to the A-squad.

“I’m really happy for Zoe”, she said. “She’s been doing well in Sweden, and it shows that if you’re performing you have a good chance of being called up to the national team.”

“I think it puts into perspective how good that Under-19 team was that so many players have since been called-up. It’s encouraging to see the quality of young players coming through, and it’s great that they are given opportunities at this level. “

She is under no illusions about the challenge Anna Signeul’s side face in Gothenburg next week, however. She added: “Sweden are always a tough team, and we’re looking forward to the challenge”, she explained.

“We played them a while ago and they were a really difficult team to play against, so we know what to expect.

“They’ll provide a baseline for the rest of the year, and a good opportunity to see where we are now.”

Photo courtesy of Liverpool Ladies FC

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John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.