Mcgregor in the frame for Levein but Brown’s out

CrAIG LEvEIN had mixed news on the injury front ahead of Scotland’s World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Macedonia, with Allan McGregor named in the squad and Scott Brown missing out.

Brown played 90 minutes on Wednesday as Celtic beat Helsingborgs 2-0 to book their place in the Champions League group stages but the Hoops skipper is still battling a hip problem.

Better news for Levein is the recovery McGregor has made from the groin injury he suffered during the friendly against Australia earlier this month.

The keeper was named on the bench for Besiktas against Galatasaray on Sunday and has told Levein he should be fit to take his place between the sticks.

The manager said: “I’ve spoken to Allan and he feels better and he feels he will be fit to play.

“There’s still a small element of doubt. The good thing is we gather on Sunday and the game is not until Saturday so we have plenty of time to assess him.

“He’s experienced and knows his body and he’s confident he will be fit.”

While Brown failed to make the 24-man squad named at Hampden through injury, his Celtic team-mate Kris Commons missed out simply because of competition for places.

Levein said: “We are so strong in the forward and wide areas I didn’t feel any of the guys who have been in the squad recently deserved to be left out.

“Being in the position that I can afford to leave Kris Commons out is a huge step forward for us.

“It’s disappointing for Kris but to have the quality of competition we’ve got in the forward and wide areas, you’ll understand how difficult it is to get into the team.

“The one I feel sorry for is Craig MackailSmith, who hasn’t made the group and doesn’t deserve to be left out. The competition is just really strong just now.”

There was also no place in the squad for any rangers players and Levein added: “I think I made it fairly clear the last time. I’ve picked what I believe to be the best players available.

“It just works the same way every time, I look at the squad and look at who is available in each position and from that I pick the squad.”

The opening two qualifiers come too soon for Manchester United’s Darren Fletcher as he continues his recovery from a bowel condition, but he will be involved in the build-up.

Levein said: “He’s coming with us again. He was very valuable during the trip for the Australia game.

I’ve had a chat with his manager and he is improving all the time. It’s maybe just a little bit early for this game.”

In the continued absence of Fletcher, the captain’s armband is set to go to Gary Caldwell ahead of Kenny Miller, as the Wigan defender prepares to celebrate his 50th appearance.