Veterans David Weir and Paul Hartley named in Scotland squad
Scotland manager Craig Levein has recalled veterans David Weir and Paul Hartley to his squad ahead of crunch UEFA 2012 European Championship qualifying clashes with Lithuania and Liechtenstein.
It was believed that Weir, at the age of 40, had come to the end of his international career after being left out of Levein’s first two squads which faced Czech Republic and Sweden in friendly matches. However, the Rangers defender has been named in the latest squad ahead of Dundee United’s Garry Kenneth, who was slated in many quarters for his performance in the 3-0 defeat to Sweden.
Weir had a deal in place with previous manager George Burley that he would only be named in a Scotland squad if he was guaranteed to play. He had been left out of several of Burley’s squads last year, but was recalled for 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Macedonia and Holland in September.
'Easy decision'
Levein told the Scottish Football Association’s official website that: "The thing about Davie is he is still playing at the highest level week in, week out. The fact he is still turning in top-class performances means it was a pretty easy decision to make for me. I had a good chat with him and I told him I was not just bringing him along for the ride. I had a look at a few people in the last couple of games, but we are playing for real now. My job is to pick the best players for each position and, if you look around, Davie is probably as good as anyone."
Hartley’s return was less of a surprise after the midfielder scored a hat-trick of penalties in his debut with Aberdeen. The 33-year-old told BBC Scotland that: "It does help that Aberdeen have had a good start to the season and I'm really looking forward to these two big games. Lithuania is going to be hard, but we won there before 2-1 and I fancy our chances to get maximum points from these games."
First call-up
Levein has also handed a first call-up to 28-year-old Blackpool goalkeeper Matt Gilks, who has been named in the squad ahead of Rangers reserve ‘keeper Neil Alexander. Allan McGregor is likely to start in place of the injured Craig Gordon while David Marshall keeps his spot in the squad after withdrawing from the Sweden game due to injury.
The national coach has also named Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Steven Fletcher along with Tottenham Hotspur right-back Alan Hutton and Cardiff City defender McNaughton. The trio will not be fit for the Lithuania clash, but Levein is hopeful they will be ready to face Lichtenstein at Hampden.
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