Saturday, 26 May 2012

Scotland line-up confirmed World Soccer Shop




Craig Levein has confirmed Matt Phillips, Shaun Maloney and Andy Webster will start Scotland's friendly against the United States in Florida.





Miller: Sees strength in attack


As expected, Blackpool winger Phillips makes his debut from the start after switching allegiance to Scotland, having represented England at under-19 and under-20 level.


Wigan's Maloney earns his first cap since a 3-0 win over the Faroe Islands in November 2010, and Hearts defender Webster makes his first appearance since a 1-0 win over the Czech Republic in March 2010, in what was Levein's first match in charge.


Meanwhile Kenny Miller believes Scotland have more than enough firepower within the squad - whether Steven Fletcher plays for the national team again or not.


Levein this month appeared to close the door on a return to international football for the Wolves striker.


Fletcher has not featured in Levein's plans since informing the Scottish Football Association by text message that he did not wish to be selected for a Carling Nations Cup tie against Northern Ireland in February 2011.


But Cardiff hitman Miller insists the Scots still have plenty of talent in the front areas.


He said: "Fletch is a fantastic player and he is somebody we would love to see here. But if he has made the decision where he feels he doesn't really want to be involved then we respect his decision and we've just got to get on with it.


"I think we've got more than enough in those areas. We've got myself and Craig Mackail-Smith, who have played the role in recent internationals. We've got Goodie (David Goodwillie) and young Johnny Russell, who has had a fantastic season at Dundee United.


"Jamie Mackie can play the role as well and Naisy (Steven Naismith) when he's back.


"We've got a lot of good options in those positions to have more than enough firepower to get us to the World Cup."


The level of commitment Levein wants to see from his players has been demonstrated by Barry Robson, who this week vowed to make himself available for future internationals despite sealing a switch to Vancouver Whitecaps and the lengthy travelling he will have to endure.


Levein said: "He is a great lad. He is an experienced player who just loves playing for his country.


"I value that, I value people who would do anything to play for their country.


"It sounds simple, you think everybody would, but I've had experiences where that's not the case.


"This attitude that everybody wants to be here is really important to me."


After recalling Maloney and Webster, Levein says there is still a chance that the likes of Chris Burke, James McFadden and Kris Boyd could resurrect their own international careers in future.


He added: "The door is not closed. McFadden has hardly played any football and Boydy has been flitting about here, there and everywhere.


"Chris Burke is one who is on the radar, I had a chat with Chris at the end of the season. The group is getting strengthened all the time."


Team to play the United States: McGregor, Bardsley, Caldwell, Webster, Mulgrew, Brown, McArthur, Bannan, Phillips, Miller, Maloney.




Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17220/scotland_line_up_confirmed

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