Scotland
Five debutants for Czech friendly
On May 30th, when Scotland travels to Prague for our first away match under George Burley, there will be some new faces on the squad, thanks to a few injuries to some of our aging stars. Burley’s list of 23 includes five uncapped players, and 16 under the age of 26, a nice thing to see for a squad that has been dominated by more …. let us say … experienced footballers.
The newbies on Burley’s list are: Ross McCormack (Motherwell), Kevin Thomson and Steven Whittaker (Rangers), Christophe Berra (Hearts) and James Morrison (West Brom). All have potential to do well for Scotland, and all should see this as a golden opportunity to make themselves noticed for World Cup qualifying. Morrison in particular has worked his way onto the radar, with some brilliant performances this season for West Brom, who were, in the second half of the season, far and away the best of the Championship. McCormack is also an overdue young player, and adds to the already potent strike possibilities up front for Scotland. Berra was on the list for the Croatia friendly, but never made it off of the bench. With a few key injuries in defense, his time has come.
A few names are conspicuous by their absence. Barry Ferguson, whose May is a bit busy as is, was left off by Burley to avoid further injuring his knee. Stephen McManus will almost certainly get the captain’s armband for the second straight match. Scott Brown is off the list, for the public reason of minor post-season surgery, but after a couple of dire Scotland performances, I hardly think he’ll be missed. Steven Fletcher, who did well in his debut against Croatia, is back, and we’re all thrilled to see James McFadden back in the lineup after missing the last match for keyhole knee surgery. Looking at the roster, I do think we could have done with one less forward and one more midfielder. Six strikers? Let’s be honest, two at most will start and three at most will play, so why put six on the roster? That’s a minor argument, though, and overall, I really like the squad list.
Here is the total list of twenty-three. If this young squad gets any sort of result in Prague, it will be a hugely positive sign of things to come from Scotland. Exciting times, these, for a fan of the side, and this makes me even more anxious for May 30th to come.
Keepers: Craig Gordon (Sunderland), David Marshall (Norwich)
Defenders: Russell Anderson (Sunderland), Christophe Berra (Hearts), Gary Caldwell (Celtic), Christian Dailly (Rangers), Alan Hutton (Spurs), Stephen McManus (Celtic), Kevin McNaughton (Cardiff), Gary Naysmith (Sheffield United), Steven Whittaker (Rangers)
Midfielders: Darren Fletcher (Manchester United), Paul Hartley (Celtic), James Morrison (West Brom), Gavin Rae (Cardiff), Barry Robson (Celtic), Kevin Thomson (Rangers)
Forwards: Kris Boyd (Rangers), Steven Fletcher (Hibernian), Ross McCormack (Motherwell), James McFadden (Birmingham), Shaun Maloney (Aston Villa), Kenny Miller (Derby)
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Latest Comments
- My loyalties for Euro 2008
Club-only fans and their constant worrying about injuries ... ...[read more] - My loyalties for Euro 2008
I support Artur Boruc not getting hurt and coming back to Celtic next season...although as a Columbu ...[read more] - My loyalties for Euro 2008
If I really wanted the underdogs, I'd go with the hosts. But I realize that the chances of my picks ...[read more] - My loyalties for Euro 2008
Always the underdogs, this seems to be the Scottish way of supporting. I just hope you'll still have ...[read more] - The trouble with left backs
i agree with you Ian "Smith and Hartley certainly are other options, but they really are stop-gaps" ...[read more] - Scotland likely to lose Celts for May friendly
Amen, Chris. I'm not sure I agree that club football exists ONLY to build toward national duties, b ...[read more] - Scotland likely to lose Celts for May friendly
Its about time Scotland (players, club managers and fans alike) take International friendlies more s ...[read more] - The trouble with left backs
That's the problem, Tomasz - it seems like one position we're always throwing someone into. It's be ...[read more] - The trouble with left backs
What happened to Stevie Smith at Rangers? I think he had potential. What about Mark Wilson? I know h ...[read more] - Scotland likely to lose Celts for May friendly
Absolutely right, Jan. The Czechs seem to get less of a workout, but remember that Croatia could cl ...[read more] - Scotland likely to lose Celts for May friendly
I wonder whether the Czech Republic will be happy with this arrangement either. I remember that Jogi ...[read more] - Kris Boyd needs to leave Rangers
If Walter Smith has said that, I don't understand it. There does seem to be some problem in the rel ...[read more] - Kris Boyd needs to leave Rangers
The Polish commentator of the game said that Walter Smith accuses Boyd of laziness and lack of work ...[read more] - Breaking Down the Draw
Unfortunately, as I really like Robson, he's on the squad list for Celtic this weekend, just as Chri ...[read more] - Breaking Down the Draw
Great synopsis Ian! I concur that the wings are a sore spot for the Scots, but a healthy Barry Robso ...[read more]
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