Morrison pick is defended by Mcghee

Scotland coach Mark Mcghee has defended the decision to extend Callum Mcgregor’s absence from the Scotland squad despite a midfield vacancy emerging over the weekend.

West Bromwich Albion’s James Morrison was drafted in by manager Gordon Strachan yesterday to replace Fulham midfielder Tom C air ney, whowi thdrew on Sunday with a knee injury.

The omission of in- form Celtic midfielder Mcgre - gor from the initial squad named by Strachan last weekfor the WorldCup qualifiers against Lithuania and Malta caused a stir and now the 24- year- old, who scored his third goal of the season for the Scottish champions in their 1- 1 draw against St Johnstone on Saturday, has been overlooked again.

The experience of 31- yearold Morrison has been preferredafter he made an earlierthan anticipated return from the knee injury he sustained in June’s 2-2 draw against England at Hamp den. The 44- times capped Morrison has played for 70 minutes in WestBrom’ s last two games.

Mcghee said: “The feeling was that James wasn’t going to be quite ready but he has come for ward and said he’s fine.

“He is a seasoned Premier