Craig Levein has announced Scotland’s First XI that will face Wales in tomorrow night’s Carling Nations Cup game. And the former Dundee United manager believes that there is a desire amongst the squad to win this tournament, despite the games coming at the end of the season.
Levein continued: “An obvious indication is the amount of withdrawals. From the original squad named we have lost Craig Mackail-Smith for a very good reason in that he is playing in the League One play-Off final, and Kris Commons. To lose just two, and one of them through no fault of his own, shows the commitment of the players and their willingness to come here and attempt to win this tournament.”
Scotland last faced Wales in November 2009, which ended in a 4-0 defeat in Cardiff. A game that cost then- manager George Burley his job.
“Every game of international football is very tough,” said Levein. “Wales have had some call-offs, but we will have to be at our best to get what we want, which is to win this match.”
Goalkeeper Allan McGregor will win his 12th cap for Scotland tomorrow night. Christophe Berra and Gary Caldwell will partner up in the centre of defence, with Stephen Crainey and Steven Whittaker in the full back positions.
The quartet of Steven Naismith, Scott Brown, Charlie Adam and James Morrison will form up the midfield, and Kenny Miller, who will captain the side, will be partnered up front with Leed forward Ross McCormack, who will earn his sixth cap for Scotland.
Scotland will be without captain Darren Fletcher, who will play in Saturday’s Champions League Final against Barcelona. Craig Gordon, Alan Hutton and Graham Dorrans are all out due to injury and were not selected, while Celtic midfielder Kris Commons pulled out of the squad with a hamstring injury.
Peterborough striker Craig Mackail-Smith is also out as he will be playing in Sunday’s League One play-off final against Huddersfield.
Scotland First XI
McGregor, Whittaker, G Caldwell, Berra, Crainey, Naismith, Brown, Adam, Morrison, McCormack, Miller.
