Kenneth shocked by Scotland call

22 February 2010 17:46
Kenneth, 22, has been named in former Tannadice manager Craig Levein's first squad, to face the Czech Republic in a Hampden friendly on March 3, along with team-mates Paul Dixon and Andy Webster.[LNB]The defender struggled to hold down a regular place under Levein early this season but he has been a mainstay in the United back four over the last three months.[LNB]"This season I have been concentrating on holding down a regular place with United," the centre-back told the Dundee Evening Telegraph.[LNB]"Like everyone, it's an ambition to play for Scotland, but it hasn't been in my thoughts this year and I thought it might be something for the future.[LNB]"I am really happy, though, and now it's up to me to make the most of this chance."[LNB]Left-back Dixon held out more hope for a call-up, with Lee Wallace and Danny Fox both making Scotland debuts in his position in recent matches during the absence of Gary Naysmith through a cruciate ligament injury.[LNB]The 23-year-old said: "When I hurt my ankle the other week, I thought that was my chance of being named in the gaffer's first squad gone, but I have just been told I'm in and it's brilliant news.[LNB]"Now, if I get a chance to get on the pitch next week, it's up to me to play the way I was playing for him at United."[LNB]Meanwhile, Adam is delighted to make Levein's first squad after losing his place for George Burley's last game, a 3-0 friendly defeat by Wales.[LNB]Adam had won his third cap in the 2-0 defeat in Japan in October after an exile of more than two years.[LNB]The former Rangers midfielder scored his 13th goal of the season during Blackpool's victory over Reading on Saturday and is keen to make his mark against the Czechs, who are among Scotland's Euro 2012 qualifying rivals.[LNB]"I'm obviously very happy that I've managed to get in his first squad," the 24-year-old told Blackpool's official website.[LNB]"There have been many changes since my last game and I'm looking forward to linking up with the team again.[LNB]"Craig's a good manager who has a reputation for getting teams playing well and I just hope, with the quality that we've got in the squad, that he can kick us on.[LNB]"We just need to get some good results in the friendly games and then look forward to the qualification games when they come round.[LNB]"It will give us an indication of the players that we're going to play against and the quality that they have, so it should be a good match.[LNB]"The squad that has been picked is strong and the majority of the lads are playing in England now and that shows how well they've been doing.[LNB]"It just shows how well Scottish football is with the amount of players who have come down from Scotland into the Championship and Premier League."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk