Kris Boyd and Lee McCulloch recalled to Scotland squad
Craig Levein has included Kris Boyd and Lee McCulloch in his first Scotland squad since taking over as manager.
The Rangers pair will return to the international fold in the friendly against the Czech Republic at Hampden Park on March 3 after refusing to be considered for the national team under previous manager Craig Burley.
Boyd, who has scored seven times in 15 appearances for Scotland, has found the net in his past three games for Rangers and along with McCulloch has been instrumental in helping the club to open up a seven point lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League.
There is no place for goalkeeper Allan McGregor, who misses out on the 24-man squad after an injury sustained during a late-night incident in Glasgow city centre raised doubts over the Rangers goalkeepers fitness for Sundays Old Firm derby.
The 28-year-old has not played for his country for almost a year due to his involvement in the Boozegate affair, which saw a number of Scotland players disciplined after they stayed up drinking in the team hotel until 4am after a 3-0 defeat by Holland. McGregor and Barry Ferguson were later suspended from playing for the national side after making rude gestures at television cameras from the Scotland substitutes bench.
Levein looked set to end McGregors international exile, however, the Scotland manager has been told by Walter Smith that the injuries McGregor sustained in the incident mean he will not be fit.
Im looking for certainty, Levein said. It doesnt look like hes going to be fit its nice and simple. Once this game is out of the way, he will be considered for the next match.
Scotland Squad to face Czech Republic
Goalkeepers: Neil Alexander (Rangers), Craig Gordon (Sunderland/ENG), David Marshall (Cardiff City/ENG)
Defenders: Alan Hutton (Sunderland/ENG), Christophe Berra (Wolves/ENG), Gary Caldwell (Wigan), Paul Dixon (Dundee Utd), Garry Kenneth (Dundee Utd), Lee Wallace (Hearts), Andy Webster (Dundee Utd), Steven Whittaker (Rangers)
Midfielders: Charlie Adam (Blackpool/ENG), Scott Brown (Celtic), Graham Dorrans (West Brom/ENG), Darren Fletcher (Manchester Utd/ENG), Paul Hartley (Bristol City/ENG), Lee McCulloch (Rangers), James McFadden (Birmingham/ENG), Barry Robson (Middlesbrough/ENG), Kevin Thomson (Rangers)
Forwards: Kris Boyd (Rangers), Steven Fletcher (Burnley), Chris Iwelumo (Bristol City/ENG), Kenny Miller (Rangers)
