McCulloch relief at Scots return

Boyd and McCulloch are back in the Scotland fold

By Alasdair Lamont

Lee McCulloch says it would mean "everything" to him to help Scotland qualify for Euro 2012.

The Rangers midfielder joins up with the rest of the national squad on Monday ahead of the games against Lithuania and Liechtenstein.

He had made himself unavailable for selection under George Burley.

But McCulloch told BBC Scotland: "What happened in the past wasn't really professional. I'm not proud of it, but hopefully I can get some game time."

At the time of McCulloch's decision to end his involvement in international football in September 2008, he stated that he wished to concentrate on his Rangers career.

He had not featured under Burley, with his final appearance coming in the 2-1 defeat by Italy at Hampden in November 2007, when Alex McLeish was still the national manager.

I think, worst-case scenario, you've got to be looking at four points Scotland midfielder Lee McCulloch

But Burley denied suggestions of a personal rift between himself and the player.

McCulloch's then Rangers team-mate, Kris Boyd, also asked not to be considered for Scotland squads around the same time.

Meanwhile, a few months later, two more Ibrox players, Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor, were banned from playing for their country for making obscene gestures while sitting on the bench during the win over Iceland.

But all - except Ferguson - are now back in the Scotland fold under Craig Levein, who will hope to guide the country to their first major championship since the World Cup in 1998.

"The way things have been handled from myself and other people wasn't really that good," added McCulloch.

"I can't wait (to join up with the squad). The last two squads I've pulled out through different reasons I couldn't really do anything about.

"I'm fit for this one and I can't wait to get back into the fold and hopefully have a good campaign."

Asked if Scotland need to get six points from the opening fixtures away to Lithuania and at home to Liechtenstein, McCulloch said: "If you can get a win in the away games, it's obviously going to set you up better.

"But I think, worst-case scenario, you've got to be looking at four points - obviously winning our home game - but they're going to be tough games, they're two good, organised sides, they make it difficult for the teams they're playing against and they knock the ball about well."

McCulloch set up his fellow Scotland international Kenny Miller for the winning goal against St Johnstone on Saturday, his first appearance of the season, having been suspended for the opening two league matches.

"Delighted (with the pass), it was a great finish from Kenny. He makes these sorts of runs and makes it easier for you," he added.

"But I think the main thing for myself was getting through the 90 minutes. It was all about fitness.

"That's the first full 90 since we were in Australia (on a pre-season tour), so it was pretty hard going the last 20, but we all dug in."

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