Allan McGregor makes return to Scotland squad
Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor has been named in the senior Scotland international squad for the upcoming friendly game against Sweden. Manager Craig Levein has called up the 28-year-old for the first time since the infamous ‘Boozegate’ incident in April 2009.
Along with then Rangers team-mate Barry Ferguson, McGregor was banned from playing from his country again following a series of breaches of discipline. After an international match against the Netherlands on 28 March, 2009, the pair had stayed up drinking alcohol past the curfew set by the management team. One of the squad coaches had spotted them in the bar of the team hotel and resulted in them being placed on the substitutes’ bench for the match against Iceland three days later. During that game, the duo were captured by photographers appearing to make obscene hand gestures while on the bench. McGregor later apologized for his actions but was later fined two weeks wages by his club and banned from playing for his country again.
Clean slate
After Levein took up his post in December, he announced that he would be wiping the slate clean for both players as he wished to have the strongest possible squad at his disposal. He said that should McGregor and Ferguson – who now plays for Birmingham City in the English Premier League – be willing to return to the squad he would consider them for selection. McGregor was eager to once again get involved, but after months of deliberating Ferguson decided against a return to the international fold after revealing to Levein his wish to instead concentrate on club football.
With regular number one choice Craig Gordon ruled out as a result of a broken arm, McGregor – who has four caps to his name – appears likely to start in goal for the friendly, which will take place on August 11. He is one of seven players from his club who Levein has named in his squad.
When making the announcement, Levein said to reporters that he was trying to move the country on from the ‘Boozegate’ affair. He said: "I know we'll still linger on all the stuff that's happened in the past but I'm trying my best to get away from that. Allan has played in big matches and this game won't faze him; he'll handle it no problem. Craig is out and in all reality, Allan will start in goals, that's no big secret. I am pleased with the quality of goalkeepers we have. The loss of Craig Gordon is one of these things. It happens in football and I feel more sorry for the lad than I do myself."
Celtic’s lone ranger
Celtic captain Scott Brown, who scored the winner in a 1-0 friendly victory over the Czech Republic in Levein’s first game as manager, is his club’s only representative in the squad, while four from English Football League Championship side Middlesbrough make the cut. Former Celtic captain Stephen McManus makes a return to Levein’s fold, while Barry Robson and new boys Kevin Thomson and Kris Boyd will also be on the plane to Stockholm.
Scotland talisman James McFadden also makes a return after missing out on the Czech Republic game due to injury, but Wigan Athetic defender Gary Caldwell will not be involved as he recovers from hip surgery. Rangers striker Kenny Miller has been included despite returning from his club’s pre-season trip to Australia in shin splints. Blackpool Charlie Adam also makes the squad after helping his club to the EPL.
The match will offer Levein his last chance to look at the players before the 2012 UEFA European Championships qualifying campaign kicks off against Lithuania and Liechtenstein next month.
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