Monday, March 30, 2009

Scots hopeful on McManus return

WORLD CUP QUALIFIER
SCOTLAND V ICELAND
Venue: Hampden Park Date: Wednesday, 1 April Kick-off: 1945 BST
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio 5 Live and online, live text commentary online and live commentary on BBC Radio nan Gaideal. Highlights on Sportscene on BBC ONE Scotland at 2245 BST.


Scotland defender Stephen McManus
McManus is likely to return to the heart of the Scottish defence

Defenders Stephen McManus and Alan Hutton are in line to start for Scotland against Iceland in Wednesday's vital World Cup qualifier at Hampden.

Celtic skipper McManus missed the 3-0 loss to Netherlands with an ankle injury, while Hutton appeared as a second half substitute in Amsterdam.

The Spurs full-back is only just returning to full fitness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

However, Derby winger Kris Commons has not recovered from a calf injury.

"Stephen McManus is back with us and very keen to play," confirmed Scotland assistant manager Terry Butcher.

"We are very optimistic he will take part in training, so that's a big plus as well.

"He shows the great spirit we have here. We are all determined to get the three points on Wednesday."

On Hutton, Inverness boss Butcher said: "It was great seeing him back on Saturday.

"He felt the effects of the 30 minutes of the game he played. It was a very fast tempo against a very good Dutch side, but he thoroughly enjoyed it.

"The work done on Saturday and the work done since then puts him in the frame for a starting place against Iceland."

If central defender McManus is deemed fit enough to return, Christophe Berra is the player likely to make way, while Graham Alexander's berth at right-back is under threat from Hutton.

There were no new injuries to report after the defeat in Amsterdam but manager George Burley cannot call on the services of prior casualties James McFadden, Shaun Maloney, Barry Robson, Paul Hartley, David Weir, Kirk Broadfoot and Kevin Thomson.

With the Dutch running away with Group 9, Scotland are vying with Iceland, Norway and Macedonia for second place and a possible play-off spot.

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