Scotland star Christophe Berra believes the return to the international fold of Davie Weir could prove vital to our hopes of qualifying for Euro 2012.

The Rangers captain’s Scotland career had appeared to come to an end when he played in the disappointing World Cup qualifying defeat against Holland on September 9 last year at Hampden.

But now the 40-year-old has been recalled despite missing out in the last four internationals against Japan, Wales, the Czech Republic and Sweden.

And although Wolves star Berra could be the man who is forced to make way for the return of the veteran, the former Hearts skipper says Weir’s wise old head is a huge asset for the Scots as Craig Levein bids to guide us to our first major tournament since 1998.

Berra said: “Davie’s experience is going to be a big plus to us, there is no doubt about that and the fact he is still doing at the top level for Rangers is great.

“He has been over the course so many times and with there being a good few young guys in the squad, his experience is really invaluable.

“When you are starting your qualification programme away from home you want guys who have been there and done it and in that respect Davie’s presence is great.”

Berra is well aware that Scotland have suffered mixed fortunes in away matches against the Baltic nation over the years.

Our first visit in September 1998 ended in a no-scoring stalemate. Under Berti Vogts we lost 1-0 in April 2003, but our last visit to Kaunas ended in a 2-1 win under Walter Smith.

And having played alongside several of the Lithuanians when he was at Hearts, Berra admits it will be tough to get a result in the Group I opener.

He said: “We know their strengths and weaknesses, but it is up to is to impose our game on them.

“We have players playing in the best league in the world in the Premiership and we have to have confidence that we can get a result over there.

“Away from home at international level it is very tough and we have to keep it tight and hopefully sneak a goal.

“I know people are saying the pitch will be a problem but it will be same for both teams. Every game at international level is tough.”

Although he is confident in the ability of his team-mates, Berra is also wary of the player he rates as the Lithuanian danger man.

He said: “Having played alongside Saulius Mikoliunas, I know on his day Miko can be really good and can turn a match – but he can be inconsistent.

“I know previous encounters with Lithuania have been tight and I’m sure this one will be. And their players all have good technical ability.”

Berra is fully aware of how important a positive start will be for the Scots with their second Group I game just four days later at Hampden Park against Liechtenstein.

He added: “The players know how important it is to the country for us to qualify and that everyone is desperate for us to get off to a good start.

“You go into every game looking to win, but first and foremost away from home we need to keep it tight and not get beat. Lithuania will be looking to win at home and the onus will be on them to be positive and we have the players to exploit that.”