Marshall gets the nod
August 12, 2009
The starting line-up for Scotland, who play Norway tonight, has been announced and goalkeeper David Marshall has been given the nod ahead of Rangers keeper Neil Alexander.
First choice goalkeeper Craig Gordon is out injured and Alan McGregor would have most likely been the second choice had he not been suspended from the national team but this has cleared the way for the other keepers to battle it out for the jersey.
Scotland manager George Burley will have a back four of Alan Hutton, Gary and Steven Caldwell and Calum Davidson.
Graham Alexander has been chosen ahead of Paul Hartley for the holding role in front of the back four on Wednesday.
The midfield also features Scott Brown, Kris Commons, Darren Fletcher and Ross McCormack. Striker Kenny Miller has been chosen ahead of James McFadden.
“It’s a massive blow losing Craig, but it gives someone else a chance,” Burley said ahead of the Group Nine clash in Oslo.
Celtic midfielder Brown has only had 25 minutes of competitive action for Celtic since recovering from ankle surgery.
But Burley said: “Scott has trained well. Each day, he is getting stronger and I’m very pleased that he is available.”
Scotland sit second in Group Nine and Burley has targeted six points from their next three games to secure a play-off place for the finals in South Africa.
Defenders Stephen McManus, Gary Naysmith and Kirk Broadfoot, midfielders James Morrison and Barry Robson, plus striker Chris Iwelumo, all failed to make the initial squad through injury.
Midfielder and former captain Barry Ferguson and goalkeeper Allan McGregor were not considered because of misbehaviour during Scotland’s last get-together.
But, like Norway, Scotland have had no withdrawals from their original squad through injury.
“It’s great that we have a full complement of players and that has not always been the case,” the Scotland boss said.
“Four players are missing from the last game against Iceland, but the 23 who are here are all fit and raring to go and we will announce the team tomorrow.
“I’ve got a basic idea of who I’m looking to start and we’ve been through a few things. We have options in a number of positions.”
Alexander had surprised many by not promoting his own case for a starting place.
“I think David Marshall will play and deservedly so,” he suggested because of Marshall’s time as understudy to Gordon and McGregor.
“I know what it’s like to be in the squad for years and be overlooked. I’m here as cover because Craig’s missing.”
Assistant manager Terry Butcher trusted Burley to make the right choice.
“He makes bold decisions; he’s always done that in his career and he’s done so with Scotland in the past,” said Butcher.
“Sometimes, your gut feelings are your best feelings, but that’s down to George and his gut feelings in the past have been very good.”
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