Weir returned has made 60 appearances for Scotland

The defender stood down from Scotland duty in 2002 but returned when Walter Smith was made manager two years later.

"Every player has to play every international as if it's his last," said the 37-year-old.

"I don't think you're in the position to dictate, but what can happen in the game can dictate the future."

Weir will win his 61st cap against Italy and will be hoping to add to that tally at the European Championship finals in Austria and Switzerland next summer.

Asked if he felt he had another qualification campaign in him, Weir chose to focus only on Italy.

He said: "I've not thought that far ahead, I've always looked short term.

"If you start looking too far ahead or worrying about other games and take your eye off the ball then you are in trouble.

"You can get injured or not get picked again.

"If you dwell too much on that then you forget about the real thing which is performing and helping your team-mates.

"So regarding personal issues, it's irrelevant if it's your last game or your first game.

"All that matters is that we play as a team and help each other and these things will take care of themselves.

"It's everyone's biggest-ever game, there is no doubt about that.

"Obviously, I'm that bit older but I'm the same as the rest of the other players.

"I'm nervous about the game as well as looking forward to it so we will all try and help each other and that is the secret to us being successful."

Regardless of the result, Weir has every faith that this relatively young squad has a bright future at international level.

He added: "This group of players have a lot of years and a lot of football in them so it's important that this is the start rather than the end."