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Scotland squad hit by five withdrawals

18/08/2008

Five players have withdrawn from the Scotland senior squad ahead of this Wednesday's friendly international against Northern Ireland at Hampden Park.

Preston North End's Callum Davidson has pulled out, despite receiving his first call-up for more than six years, and joins Cardiff City duo Gavin Rae and Kevin McNaughton and Celtic pair Gary Caldwell and Paul Hartley on the sidelines.

Scotland manager Craig Burley has called up Hearts midfielder Michael Stewart and defenders David Weir of Rangers and Graham Alexander of Burnley as cover as he prepares for two crucial upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The team travel to Macedonia and Iceland for their opening two matches in what looks to be a competitive group for the Scots.

And they will be looking to go one better than their last qualification campaign for Euro 2008, where defeat in the last match at home to Italy saw them narrowly miss out on a place at the finals earlier this summer.

Full Scotland squad for friendly against Northern Ireland:Goalkeepers
Craig Gordon (Sunderland)
David Marshall (Norwich City)
Allan McGregor (Rangers)

Defenders
Graham Alexander (Burnley)
Darren Barr (Falkirk)
Christophe Berra (Hearts)
Stephen McManus (Celtic)
Gary Naysmith (Sheffield United)
David Weir (Rangers)
Steven Whittaker (Rangers)

Midfielders
Scott Brown (Celtic)
Kris Commons (Derby County)
Darren Fletcher (Manchester United)
James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion)
Barry Robson (Celtic)
Michael Stewart (Hearts)
Kevin Thomson (Rangers)

Forwards
Kris Boyd (Rangers)
David Clarkson (Motherwell)
Steven Fletcher (Hibernian)
James McFadden (Birmingham City)
Kenny Miller (Rangers)