The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Mac’s in, but Scott’s out forworld Cup qualifier
SCOTLAND MANAGER Craig Levein had mixed news on the injury front ahead of theirWorld Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Macedonia, with Allan McGregor in, but Scott Brown out.
Brown played 90 minutes last night as Celtic beat Helsingborg 2-0 to book their place in the Champions League group stages, but Levein revealed the Hoops skipper is still battling a hip problem.
The midfielder, who has not featured in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League this season, will have the injury assessed by a specialist but appears unlikely to be involved in next month’s double-header at Hampden.
Levein said: “Scott Brown straightforward – he is injured.
“He’s hardly trained and he has been playing probably just in the really important matches.
“He took an injection to play last night and he’s visiting a specialist today and trying to resolve the issues he has.
“I had a good chat with him last night and would have liked him to be involved in the squad.
“If it becomes a situation where the specialist feels maybe he can be involved, I can bring him into the group. However, it looks unlikely at this time.”
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 goalkeeper was named on the bench for Besiktas against Galatasaray on Sunday
is
fairly 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 a lot 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, he knows his body and he’s confident he will be fit. We will assess him when he arrives and have a look at him in training.”
While Brown failed to make the 24-man squad, 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 that 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.”
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 group of players available.”
The opening two qualifiers come too soon for Darren Fletcher as he continues his recovery from a bowel condition, but he will be involved in the build-up.
In the continued absence of Fletcher, the captain’s armband looks set to go to Gary Caldwell ahead of Kenny Miller, as the Wigan defender prepares to celebrate his 50th cap.
Scotland squad to face Serbia and Macedonia in World Cup qualifying matches at Hampden on September 8 and 11:
Gilks (Blackpool), McGregor (Besiktas), Marshall (Cardiff); Berra (Wolves), Caldwell (Wigan), Fox (Southampton), Hanley (Blackburn), Hutton (Aston Villa), Martin (Norwich), Mulgrew (Celtic), Webster (Hearts); Adam (Liverpool), Cowie (Cardiff), Dorrans (West Brom), Forrest (Celtic), Mackie (QPR), Maloney (Wigan), Morrison (West Brom), Naismith (Everton), Phillips (Blackpool), Snodgrass (Norwich); McCormack (Leeds), Miller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Rhodes (Huddersfield).