Source: Daily_Mail
Fox and Snodgrass get the call as George Burley's boys head to Japan
Celtic defender Danny Fox was named in the Scotland squad to face Japan in a friendly in Yokohama on October 10.
The Cheshire-born full-back - who joined the Hoops from Coventry in the summer - has switched allegiance and qualifies for selection through a Scottish grandparent.
There were also call-ups for Derek Riordan, whose one and only cap for Scotland came against Austria back in 2005, and Robert Snodgrass, who has featured for the Under 21s and who has flourished since his move to Leeds.
Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson was back in George Burley's plans after recovering from a serious knee injury sustained last November, but his Ibrox team-mates David Weir, Kenny Miller and Neil Alexander were all absent from the squad.
James McFadden was also a notable omission but there was a recall for Charlie Adam, while Ross Wallace was in line to earn his first Scotland cap.
Burley confirmed former Dundee United and Livingston manager Paul Hegarty has agreed to join his backroom staff, having failed with a previous attempt to recruit Gary McAllister.
'I've known Paul a long time, he is an experienced coach and has been involved with Scottish club sides for a number of years,' Burley said. 'He is someone I know very well as a person and who has got respect in Scottish football. I'm pleased he has decided to accept and come on board.
'I spoke to one or two others, like Gary McAllister, but he was having talks with Portsmouth at the time. As soon as I spoke to Paul, the enthusiasm and passion to work with his country shone through.'
Hegarty did not hesitate to accept Burley's offer.
He said: 'When George phoned it took me one second to accept. It was a bolt out of the blue and I accepted immediately.
'To play for your country is the best but to be part of the coaching team is just as exciting. I was absolutely delighted with the offer.'
Meanwhile, Burley believes Riordan has finally earned another chance with the national team after impressing with Hibs this season.
He said: 'Derek has got phenomenal talent and maybe hasn't made the most of that over the years. This season he has been more of a team player.
'He has got to realise you don't get into the national squad just by scoring a few goals - you need to be a team player.
'Derek deserves his opportunity for what he has done this season. Hopefully the penny has dropped that he has to utilise that ability.'
He was also pleased to welcome Fox into the fold now that the necessary paperwork has been completed.
Burley said: 'We had to get everything tied up and make sure the bloodline was there and that he qualifies for Scotland. That's all sorted now.
'Danny is an exciting talent and has shown playing for Celtic, and in Europe, that he is a top-class full-back.'
Burley said Celtic boss Tony Mowbray had no complaints about his decision to include Scott Brown in the squad, despite the midfielder struggling with injury recently.
He said: 'We had a chat about it. Scott has a little problem but he has been playing and training every week.They are happy to have him in the squad and there is no problem at all.'
Scotland squad for the international friendly against Japan in Yokohama on October 10.
Gordon (Sunderland), Langfield (Aberdeen), Marshall (Cardiff); Barr (Falkirk), Berra (Wolves), Caldwell (Celtic), Fox (Celtic), Hutton (Tottenham), McManus (Celtic) Whittaker (Rangers); Adam (Blackpool), Brown (Celtic), Dorrans (West Brom), Fletcher (Manchester United), Maloney (Celtic), Snodgrass (Leeds United), Thomson (Rangers), Wallace (Preston North End), S Fletcher (Burnley), Naismith (Rangers), O'Connor (Birmingham City), Riordan (Hibernian).
