Scotland squad named for crunch World Cup qualifiers

The Scotland squad for the two crucial games Group 9 games against Macedonia and The Netherlands where named this afternoon at Hampden.

Craig Gordon has been included in the squad, having recovered from a long term injury. His lack of match practice might be a factor however, with Burley perhaps opting for the more match-fit David Marshall. The presence of Sunderland's Craig Gordon means Aberdeen's Jamie Langfield will have to wait longer for his chance in goal - he's been dropped in favour of Rangers' Neil Alexander.

Veteran defender David Weir is recalled to the squad as the Scottish defensive options are dwindling through injuries (Steven Caldwell, Christophe Berra and Stephen McManus) and suspension (Gary Caldwell). The 39-year-old was named captain of Rangers following Barry Ferguson's controversial expulsion from the Scotland setup.

Kilmarnock's Kevin Kyle is also included, as is Falkirk defender Darren Barr. The two make up the only Scottish-based players to make the squad and who do not play their club football with either Rangers or Celtic.

The unexpected heavy defeat in Norway earlier in the month has meant that Scotland need to win both games to have any chance of making the World Cup Finals next year. Burley's men begin on 5 September with the home game against Macedonia, with Holland to come four days later.

A win against Macedonia is a tough proposition. With a good home crowd supporting the side, I believe we can get a result against Macedonia. It will be a huge task, not to mention a tense fixture: Macedonia, like Scotland also need to win their next two games to have a chance of qualifying.

Macedonia play their last game against Norway, who play Iceland on the same night that the Scots take on Macedonia.

Assuming we beat Macedonia, our last Group 9 game against The Netherlands is then another must-win game. The Dutch qualified at a canter conceding only 2 goals while scoring 16, and we can only hope that they bring the reserve squad for a run-about in, what is for Bert van Marwijk at least anyway, a meaningless fixture.

Scotland Squad

Gordon (Sunderland), N Alexander (Rangers), Marshall (Cardiff)

Barr (Falkirk), McManus (Celtic), Berra (Wolves), G Caldwell (Celtic), S Caldwell (Burnley), Davidson (Preston), Hutton (Tottenham), McAllister (Bristol City), Whittaker (Rangers), Weir (Rangers)

G Alexander (Burnley), Brown (Celtic), Commons (Derby), D Fletcher (Manchester United), Hartley (Bristol City), McFadden (Birmingham), Maloney (Celtic)

Clarkson (Bristol City), S Fletcher (Burnley), Kyle (Kilmarnock), Miller (Rangers), Naismith (Rangers).