Scotland Announce Squad for USA Friendly

Scotland manager Craig Levein has selected a 22 man squad for the May 26th friendly against the USA in Jacksonville.

The most notable absences are Jamie Mackie whose wife is expecting their first child and Graham Dorrans who has just become a father.

Dorrans represented Scotland in the Under 20 World Cup held in Canada in 2007.

Also absent is one bigger name, Liverpool’s Charlie Adam who missed the end of the season through injury.

Vancouver Whitecaps Barry Robson is preparing for life in MLS and is taking a course to receive coaching certifications.

Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton and Blackburn Rovers’ Grant Hanley are also sidelined through injury.

In the squad however, regular EPL viewers may recognise the names of Wigan’s Shaun Maloney and James MacArthur, Sunderland’s Phil Bardlsey, Wolves’ Christopher Berra, and Blackburn’s ‘bad boy’ David Goodwillie.

Goodwillie was convicted of assault earlier this year. This raises questions bout his visa. American practise is to refuse visas for those was criminal convictions.

Last July, Joey Barton was refused permission to join Newcastle’s pre-season tour for this reason by the US Embassy in London.

Portland’s Kris Boyd is out of favour with the SFA. Craig Levein revealed that Wolves Steven Fletcher is unlikely to be selected under him due to his negative attitude.

Dundee United’s Johnny Russell is selected for the first time but is unlikely to play according to Levein speaking to the Scottish press this morning.

Full 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 (Norwich City), 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 (Cardiff City), Johnny Russell (Dundee United).