Source: Team_Talk
Scotland door open for O'Connor
Scotland manager Craig Levein has assured Garry O'Connor he still has every chance of resurrecting his international career.[LNB] The Hibernian striker has netted 10 goals in 11 games so far this season but failed to make the squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Spain.[LNB]O'Connor is to stand trial next year accused of possessing cocaine and Levein wants off-field issues to be resolved before he considers adding the player to his squad.[LNB]The 28-year-old has 16 caps and was last selected by George Burley for a World Cup qualifier against Holland more than two years ago.[LNB]Levein said: "He is right at the forefront of my thinking. I saw him on Saturday and I have seen him four times this season.[LNB]"Garry is getting back to the position where he's feeling fitter, he's a regular in the team, his confidence is growing gradually as he is getting more and more games.[LNB]"The reason that Garry isn't involved in this particular squad is that I feel he has other issues to deal with just now off the field.[LNB]"Once he has those clear and out of his mind, it would allow him to concentrate completely on football.[LNB]"I have made Garry aware that he is very much in my thoughts and if he continues in this fine vein of form, then he will be included in the squad."[LNB]There was also no place in the squad Levein named at Hampden today for Wolves striker Steven Fletcher.[LNB]Fletcher has not been involved with the national team since informing the Scottish Football Association he did not wish to be selected for a Carling Nations Cup game against Northern Ireland in February.[LNB]Levein says Fletcher must make first contact if he wants to return to the international fold but Fletcher was quoted recently as saying he does not believe he turned his back on the country in the first place.[LNB]The Scotland boss said: "I haven't had any communication with Steven as yet.[LNB]"Once we get this competition out of the way then that's something I'll look to pick up.[LNB]"I can assure you that everything I've said about what happened in the past is true.[LNB]"We'll leave it at that, nothing has changed."[LNB]Levein made three changes from the last squad, with David Marshall and Stephen McManus added to the pool and Dundee United midfielder Danny Swanson earning his first call-up.[LNB]He said: "This is just an introduction to the squad. Danny's got a little bit to go.[LNB]"I think if he continues in the type of form that he has shown recently, then I believe he will be a valuable addition for us.[LNB]"We need creative players. Within the system that we play, there has to be room for people who can open teams up.[LNB]"Danny is striking form at the right time. This isn't just about his form just now, I do feel he has the capabilities to be an international footballer."[LNB]McManus was given the nod ahead of Danny Wilson, who has made just one appearance for Liverpool this season in the Carling Cup.[LNB]Levein said: "Danny Wilson isn't included in the squad this time. It's nothing to do with anything other than he hasn't played competitive football.[LNB]"Christophe Berra is on a yellow card and, if Christophe picks up a second yellow card, we are in a position where Danny might have to start a match when he hasn't played competitive football at 19 years of age.[LNB]"It's tough on Danny but I'm a firm believer that he will be a Scotland international centre-back for years to come.[LNB]"His time will come but, for this particular double-header, I feel that Stephen McManus' experience can be vital for us."[LNB]
