McManus and Hutton set to face Iceland

March 30, 2009

Stephen McManus missed the 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Dutch due to injury but looks like being fit in time to face Iceland at Hampden on Wednesday. Alan Hutton also looks like starting the game after coming on as a late sub against the Dutch.

However, Derby winger Kris Commons has not recovered from a calf injury.

“Stephen McManus is back with us and very keen to play,” confirmed Scotland assistant manager Terry Butcher.

“We are very optimistic he will take part in training, so that’s a big plus as well.

“He shows the great spirit we have here. We are all determined to get the three points on Wednesday.”

On Hutton, Inverness boss Butcher said: “It was great seeing him back on Saturday.

“He felt the effects of the 30 minutes of the game he played. It was a very fast tempo against a very good Dutch side, but he thoroughly enjoyed it.

“The work done on Saturday and the work done since then puts him in the frame for a starting place against Iceland.”

Christophe Berra looks set to give way in the team for McManus to rejoin his club partner Caldwell in defence while Graham Alexander looks like giving way for Hutton to return.

“I got on the other night against Holland and felt sharp so, if called upon, I don’t see why I wouldn’t be able to do my best,” said Hutton.

“Back at Spurs I’ve been working very hard over the last few weeks - a lot harder than I did the last time I was injured - because I knew these massive games were coming up.

“I’ve been desperate to be involved and when I got the call I could have run up here.”

There were no new injuries to report after the defeat in Amsterdam but manager George Burley cannot call on the services of prior casualties; James McFadden, Shaun Maloney, Barry Robson, Paul Hartley, David Weir, Kirk Broadfoot and Kevin Thomson.

With the Dutch running away with Group 9, Scotland are vying with Iceland, Norway and Macedonia for second place and a possible play-off spot.

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