Scots in England good for us, says Levein

Showgame: Team shapes up for Atlantic crossing

Scotland manager Craig Levein believes thenumber of Scottish players now based in England can only be good news for the national team.

Fifteen of the 22-man squad for the friendly against the United States in Jacksonville, Florida, on May 26 ply their trade south of the border.

Levein is encouraged and said: “It’s been increasing all the time.

“I have spoken at length about the need for the players to be playing at the highest level. It’s heading acknowledge that andclose the door on Steven so we can concentrate on the rest of the group. I’ve spoken at length about this and what I’m doing, I believe, is for the greater good of the squad, for the players and for the group unity.”

Also not making the trip to Florida when the squad departs from Glasgow on Sunday is Darren Fletcher. The Manchester United midfielder has been forced to take a break from football as he struggles with a rare bowel condition. Levein had hoped Darren would be able to travel to the US so players could benefit simply from the presence of their captain.

Levein said: “He wanted to come along but circumstances mean that hasn’t happened. I spoke to him just a couple of days ago.”

Dundee United forward Johnny Russell has earned a f i rst call- up, while Wigan’s Shaun Maloney has been recalled to the squad. Graham Dorrans is not in the group after becoming a father on Monday, while Jamie Mackie has also been left out, with his wife due to give birth next week.

James Morrison is not 100% after a knee injury, while Robert Snodgrass has a back problem and Barry Robson will be finishing his A-licence, while also preparing for a move to the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Set to make his international debut is Blackpool winger Matt Phillips. Levein said: “Matt will play. I hadpencilledhimin to play in the game in Slovenia but he had a little injury. Providing he gets through the last game Blackpool have, he will start.”