Scots hit by further injury blow

24 March 2009 12:38
Derby's Kris Commons and Rangers duo David Weir and Kirk Broadfoot were all ruled out on Tuesday morning and assistant coach Terry Butcher revealed Celtic captain McManus was not expected to recover from an ankle problem. However, Butcher is optimistic about the prospect of Gers skipper Barry Ferguson brushing off a chest injury to play in Amsterdam. Scotland boss George Burley has called up Ibrox full-back Steven Whittaker and he may have to add another defender if McManus does not make it. The Hoops centre-back missed the 2-2 SPL draw at Dundee United on Sunday after picking up an injury in training. Butcher said: "McManus has got a swollen ankle. It's improving day by day but we don't think he'll play on Saturday, he is doubtful. "We are optimistic about his chances for the Iceland game." Ferguson has had a chest problem for more than a week but he played and scored for Rangers in their 2-2 draw at home to Hearts on Saturday and is eager to face the Dutch. Butcher added: "Barry had X-rays today and we are waiting on the results. He wants to play and will train tomorrow if the results are good. "If medical evidence puts him in danger then he won't play but, as far as we're concerned, he feels fine and it looks positive." Broadfoot and Weir will also miss the group game against Iceland next Wednesday but Commons hopes to return for the Hampden clash. The Rams winger has not played since his team's 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest on February 21 after suffering a calf problem. "Kris Commons is away back to his club but could be back for the Iceland game," Butcher said. Broadfoot missed Rangers' clash with Hearts with foot and calf problems while Weir, who was suspended for that game, turned up at Scotland's Loch Lomond camp on Monday night with a knee injury. Meanwhile, Butcher allayed fears over Gers striker Kenny Miller, who has missed several games with a hamstring problem at various stages of the season. "Kenny Miller trained today," Butcher said. "He's had an ongoing problem with a muscle in his belly but he's here and desperate to play and Rangers are fine with that." Whittaker, 24, could make his international debut in Amsterdam on Saturday as there remains doubt over the fitness of Tottenham full-back Alan Hutton, who is on his way back from foot surgery. Hutton played 70 minutes of a reserve game against West Brom on Monday night on his first run-out since playing for Scotland against Argentina in November. Burley also has Graham Alexander, who played at full-back in both of Scotland's victories over France during their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, but the 37-year-old has been playing midfield for Burnley this season. Injury to McManus would leave Wolves defender Christophe Berra and Falkirk's Darren Barr as the two contenders to partner Gary Caldwell in central defence. Berra has three caps but has played less than half an hour in total for Scotland, while 23-year-old Barr has a solitary substitute's appearance to his name. Neither have played in a competitive international. The latest problems come after Burley was unable to call on the injured James McFadden, Shaun Maloney, Barry Robson, Kevin Thomson, Lee Miller and Garry O'Connor. Holland 2/5, Draw 3/1, Scotland 13/2

Source: Team_Talk