Double injury blow for Scots
The Scots are tantalisingly close to qualfying for their first major tournament since the 1998 World Cup
Also In The News
|
Winchester is the least green city in the UK, the WWF claims. |  |
Sunday, 14, Oct 2007 05:34
Alan Hutton and Scott Brown have pulled out of Scotland's squad for Wednesday's crunch Euro 2008 qualifier against Georgia.
Hutton suffered a calf injury in yesterday's impressive 3-1 win over Ukraine at Hampden Park while midfielder Brown picked up a hamstring injury.
Defender Gary Naysmith also picked up an injury but is expected to recover in time.
Lee McCulloch and Garry O'Connor will both miss the game in Georgia because of suspension.
But boss Alex McLeish has been boosted by Darren Fletcher joining the squad after recovering from injury.
McLeish said: "There's a big chance that Darren will play, especially with the injuries."
Meanwhile, coach Roy Aitken is delighted with the return of midfielder Fletcher.
"He is such an important player, outstanding for Manchester United and a terrific player for Scotland so he will travel to Georgia with us," Aitken said.
"I know the manager has spoken very closely with Alex Ferguson about the whole situation and that decision will be made over the next few days."
Celtic ace Brown was replaced by Shaun Maloney 14 minutes from time against Ukraine while defenders Hutton and Naysmith played the full 90 minutes.
Scotland lead world champions Italy by a point in group B while France are a further point off McLeish's side.