Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Burley opts for McGregor in goal

WORLD CUP QUALIFIER
NETHERLANDS V SCOTLAND
Venue: Amsterdam ArenA Date: Saturday, 28 March Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Scotland and online, live text commentary online. Live on Setanta Sports 1, with highlights on Sportscene on BBC ONE Scotland at 2220 GMT. Online highlights on BBC Sport site.


Allan McGregor will start for Scotland against the Netherlands
McGregor will win his fourth cap against the Netherlands in the qualifier

Scotland manager George Burley has opted to play Allan McGregor ahead of regular goalkeeper Craig Gordon in the World Cup game against the Netherlands.

Gordon has been struggling to secure a starting slot in the Sunderland first team, while 27-year-old McGregor has rediscovered his form for Rangers.

Burley said: "Allan McGregor will play because Craig has not been playing first-team football.

"Allan deserves a chance and he will start in Holland."

The Scotland manager explained his decision to award McGregor his fourth cap, almost two years after the keeper made his international debut in a 1-0 win in Austria.

He said: "There has been a lot of talk, a lot of speculation, people talking about the pros and cons of who to play.

"I had a chat with both goalkeepers yesterday and both were pushing for the number one spot.

"Craig is a magnificent goalkeeper but Allan did well against Argentina and he has been playing well for Rangers. Allan is excited at the prospect.

"It was important to make this decision now and not later."

Tottenham Hotspur defender Alan Hutton will not be risked in the match at the Amsterdam ArenA, but the Scotland camp insist the right-back will be considered for the home game against Iceland on 1 April.

"Alan played 72 minutes at West Brom on Monday and did very well. He had no problems and looked lively and bright," said Burley.

"But I spoke to him yesterday and I am not planning to play him in Holland although he will be considered for the Iceland game."


Scotland squad to face the Netherlands:

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Sunderland), Allan McGregor (Rangers), David Marshall (Norwich City).

Defenders: Graham Alexander (Burnley), Darren Barr (Falkirk), Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Gary Caldwell (Celtic), Alan Hutton (Tottenham Hotspur), Jamie McAllister (Bristol City), Stephen McManus (Celtic), Gary Naysmith (Sheffield United), Steven Whittaker (Rangers).

Midfield: Scott Brown (Celtic), Barry Ferguson (Rangers), Darren Fletcher (Manchester United), James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion), Gavin Rae (Cardiff City), Gary Teale (Derby County).

Forwards: David Clarkson (Motherwell), Steven Fletcher (Hibernian), Chris Iwelumo (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Ross McCormack (Cardiff City), Kenny Miller (Rangers).

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