SHE’S represented her home town on football’s biggest stage of all and Caroline Weir says she’s proud to do so.

But, while she continues to compete for top honours with club and country, the Scotland star hopes to be the West Fife sporting hero she didn’t have for budding young female footballers.

Former Dunfermline High pupil Caroline, 24, went back to school recently to put on a coaching session, and Q&A, for S1-S3 pupils ahead of joining up with the national squad for the Pinatar Cup tournament in Spain, which began last Wednesday and finishes tomorrow evening (Tuesday).

It’s the first time that the Manchester City midfielder, who played at both last year’s World Cup and the European Championships in 2017, had been back to her old school since leaving to embark on a football career that has also taken in Arsenal, Bristol Academy and Liverpool.

Her return delighted both pupils and some of her old teachers and, speaking to Press Sport, she said: “It’s the first time I’ve been back since I left, so that’s about seven, nearly eight years ago.

“I don’t know where it’s gone – so much has happened in that time! It’s great to come back and see some familiar faces, teachers, and the building, obviously! It’s cool and feels like coming home, being back in Dunfermline.

“When I was growing up, there wasn’t really anyone from Dunfermline that I knew about that had gone on to be a footballer, or a professional sports person, so it’s great to represent the town on a bigger stage, in the WSL (FA Women’s Super League) and with Scotland.

“Even if one girl is slightly inspired by me, I’ll take that as a win!”

Caroline, who captained her country for the first time in what was her 69th apperance in the 3-0 win over Ukraine last Wednesday, signed a new two-year contract with City recently, where she has won the FA Cup and League Cup, and played in the Champions League.

While a pupil at Dunfermline High, she and sister Kirsten helped the school win a national under-14 soccer sevens tournament, and insists they played a big role in her football journey.

“Dunfermline High was such a great school for me because they were so flexible with my football,” Caroline continued.

“I remember having to go away for 10 days at a time, during prelims or whatever, and they were like, it’s fine, as long as you catch up, we’re happy that you’re representing Scotland and the school.

“They were great and it’s great to see them now, and obviously they’re delighted with what I’ve gone on to do, so it’s really nice.”

When asked if she might consider coaching in the future, she laughed: “I’m not sure – coaches make it look a lot easier than it actually is!”

Iain MacLeod, depute rector, added: “It’s a pleasure to have her back. She’s somebody we’re really proud of and what she’s achieved so it’s nice for the girls in the school to meet her and see what you can achieve through hard work.”