Scots call on Gordon and Caldwell

Caldwell last played for Scotland in May

Craig Gordon and Gary Caldwell have been recalled after injury to a Scotland squad that, as expected, has no place for striker Kris Boyd.

QPR striker Jamie Mackie is confirmed as having his first call-up for the Scots in place of Middlesbrough's Boyd.

Celtic winger Shaun Maloney also returns to Craig Levein's squad.

But defender Caldwell looks likely to feature in only one of the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Spain in an agreement with Wigan.

Caldwell has only played reserve football so far this season after having two hip operations during the summer.

They know Gary can't be available for the two games but is capable of performing in one of the games Wigan manager Roberto Martinez

And Wigan manager Roberto Martinez told BBC Sport: "We have a very good relationship with the Scotland camp. I think they know exactly where Gary is.

"The two medical departments have been in contact and I am quite happy for Scotland to call Gary up and use his experience and leadership.

"And, physically, they know he can't be available for the two games but is capable of performing in one of the games.

"From our point of view, it would speed his rehabilitation period for Gary and get him closer to full fitness for the demands for the Barclays Premier League.

"And, mentally, it will be a great reward for Gary has been working as an example of the way you should be working behind the scenes and he deserves that call-up."

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has been quoted as pleading with Levein not to play Gordon as Scotland's first-choice goalkeeper has yet to make a first-team appearance since recovering from a broken arm.

However, Gordon is included ahead of Cardiff City's David Marshall, but there is no place for Middlesbrough's Kevin Thomson despite the midfielder being ahead of schedule as he returns from a leg break.

Thomson's team-mate, Boyd, had already been told by Levein that he should concentrate on returning to goalscoring form after his summer switch from Rangers to the Championship club.

His place goes to English-born Mackie, who has been in fine form as Queens Park Rangers continue to lead the same division.

Lee McCulloch is included in the squad but is suspended for the first game against Czech Republic on 8 October and Caldwell could be an option for a holding role in midfield in the absence of the Rangers player and injured Aberdeen veteran Paul Hartley.

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Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: McGregor (Rangers), Gilks (Blackpool), Gordon (Sunderland)
Defenders: Hutton (Tottenham), Berra (Wolves), Broadfoot (Rangers), McManus (Middlesbrough), G Caldwell (Wigan), Weir (Rangers), Whittaker (Rangers)
Midfielders: Adam (Blackpool), Brown (Celtic), Dorrans (West Brom), McCulloch (Rangers), Fletcher (Manchester United), Morrison (West Brom), Robson (Middlesbrough), McEveley (Barnsley), Maloney (Celtic)
Forwards: Fletcher (Wolves), Iwelumo (Burnley), Mackie (QPR), Miller (Rangers), Naismith (Rangers).

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