Does 'class' captain Weir hold the key to Scotland's World Cup return?

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"Class. She's a classy person - and a classy player as well."

Melissa Andreatta hasn't even been Scotland head coach for one year and must already be running out of words to describe her sublime captain, Caroline Weir.

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She isn't the only one.

In her first game since officially being appointed Scotland captain, Weir made sure it was her night as she scored her first international hat-trick in the 5-0 hammering of Luxembourg.

As ever, Weir was humble post-match and made her interview about the team and the importance of kicking off their Women's World Cup qualifying campaign in such an emphatic manner.

But if Scotland are to achieve their goal then Weir - who told BBC Scotland last week she is "borderline desperate" to be at next summer's tournament in Brazil - will be imperative in their attempt at returning to the top table for the first time since 2019.

'It's what I'm here to do'

As the Real Madrid maestro approached the BBC Scotland cameras following just another night at the office, her smile was ear-to-ear, if not a little coy at times.

She knew her personal performance was going to be highlighted - again. And that's not really up her alley.

"It feels really nice," the 30-year-old told BBC Scotland. "Obviously it's great to score, but to be honest, getting three points is the most important thing.

"I'm just focusing on helping the team.

"I play a role that's quite attacking and helping scoring goals and creating chances is what I'm here to do."

As true as that might be, few take it quite as literally as Weir.

When something, anything, is needed, eyes are drawn to her.

Something that will, it appears, only increase in the Andreatta era. Not just because she is the Australian's captain but because there is an increased emphasis on set-pieces. That's where Weir shines.

During the four friendlies at the end of last year, the head coach and her squad spoke of the extra attention that was being paid to dead-ball situations, particularly by assistant Marty Judge.

All three first-half goals came from set-piece scenarios - and each time Judge was the first to be acknowledged by Andreatta.

"We focus a lot on set-pieces," Weir explained. "We feel like we have a really strong threat there, both delivery-wise and aerially.

"We genuinely feel every set-piece is a good chance for us. A lot of work is done on them and so, when they come off in the game, we're really happy."

'It's what I want most, more than ever'

As much as all in dark blue can be, rightfully "really happy" with the win in Luxembourg, they are acutely aware this is just the first step of at least 10 to making their World Cup return.

Because they're in League B, the Scots cannot automatically qualify for Brazil 2027 and, as long as they avoid finishing bottom of the group (and that already looks assured), will face at least two, two-legged play-offs later on this year.

However, Weir will not let anything stand in her, and her country's, way.

"For me, Scotland is such a focus and I wouldn't say, well I would say, I'm borderline desperate to be at the World Cup because I want it more than ever," she added, in an exclusive interview in late February.

"There's a fine line of wanting it too much, but it's hard because I do really want to be there.

"I really want to be there with this team, the staff and I can't really say there's anything else that I want to achieve apart from getting to that World Cup."

Victories against Luxembourg, who are ranked 108th in the world, won't get Scotland there. They know that.

But it's "a great foundation to build on" as Weir added, "it's just a start, we know that."

Five goals, a clean sheet and a hat-trick for the talismanic captain. Campaign's could kick off on a poorer note.

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