Levein names latest Scotland squad

Craig Levein has named his Scotland squad for the Friendly with the USA at the end of the month.

There are a number of players recalled to the squad, including Shaun Maloney, Craig Bryson, Steven Whittaker, Lee Wallace and Andy Webster. Called up for the first time is Dundee United’s Johnny Russell, the remainder are the usual suspects.

I have no problem with Russell being called up as he has had a decent season for Dundee United, although as we have seen in the past being on the books at Tannadice seems to help open the International door. Watch out for McKay-Stevens next!

As always he has picked some players who don’t appear to deserve it, for example, Craig Gordon. The keeper has been third choice atSunderlandthis season, only getting a couple of games as they became meaningless at the end of the season. His slot should be taken by Cammy Bell of Kilmarnock who has been outstanding this season.

If we are picking players on form as well, I am not sure what Andy Webster has done to get a call up. In recent games I have seen him with Hearts he has looked ill at ease and played poorly. I would rather have had James McPake in the squad, he has helped haul Hibs clear of relegation and solved their defensive woes on his own!

I suppose it has always been the same, allScotlandsquads have split the fans but Levein seems to manage to do it on a more regular basis than most. Even digging his heels in about Steven Fletcher is getting on my nerves.

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers : Matt Gilks (Blackpool), Craig Gordon (Sunderland), Allan McGregor (Rangers)

Defenders : Phil Bardsley (Sunderland), Steven Whittaker (Rangers), Christophe Berra (Wolves), Gary Caldwell (Wigan Athletic), Russell Martin (NorwichCity), Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic), Lee Wallace (Rangers), Andy Webster (Hearts)

Midfielders : Barry Bannan (Aston Villa), Scott Brown (Celtic), Craig Bryson (Derby County), Don Cowie (Cardiff City), James McArthur (Wigan Athletic), Matt Phillips (Blackpool), Shaun Maloney (Wigan Athletic)

Forwards : David Goodwillie (Blackburn Rovers), Craig Mackail-Smith (Brighton), Kenny Miller (CardiffCity), Johnny Russell (Dundee United).