Sunderland's Phil Bardsley drafted into Scotland squad
Sunderland defender Phil Bardsely has been handed a late call-up to the Scotland squad by national team coach Craig Levein for UEFA 2012 European Football Championship qualifying matches against Czech Republic and Spain.
It is the first time that the 25-year-old right-back has received a call-up, which has come after several players had to withdraw from the squad.
He told reporters that, "I got the call on Monday and it was a bit of a mad rush yesterday getting the paperwork sorted. I'm delighted to be here and hopefully I'll be involved in the games. I'm in shape, I trained today and I'm raring to go if called upon."
The English-born defender qualifies for the Scotland national team through his father.
As for the condition of the team, Kirk Broadfoot has been allowed to return to his club after failing to recover from a problem with his foot and Celtic skipper Scott Brown has pulled out of Friday’s match in Prague, as he is suffering from an ankle problem
(he may be able to take part in the Spain match). Meanwhile, first-choice right-back Alan Hutton is still with the squad, but he is having an injury assessed by the team doctors, and left-back Jay McEveley is facing a similar situation.
Levein said that, "Players are being assessed at this moment. I can tell you Kirk Broadfoot will go back to his club. He has a foot problem and it is safest if he isn't involved. (Defensive Midfielder) Lee (McCulloch) is another that I don't know about yet.
(Goalkeeper) Matt Gilks has a problem with a dead leg, Alan Hutton is a bit sore in his groin and Jay McEveley has a problem as well."
McCulloch is suspended for Friday’s match, but if he recovers from his hip injury in time he could be in line to face reigning world and European champions Spain on Tuesday.
Levein also brought in Watford midfielder Don Cowie and Cardiff defender Kevin McNaughton earlier this week to make up for the depleted numbers.
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