Source: Team_Talk
McGregor to start in Stockholm
Craig Levein has confirmed returning keeper Allan McGregor will start in goal for Scotland's friendly against Sweden in Stockholm next week.[LNB] The Rangers keeper's lifetime ban for his part in the 'Boozegate' saga was overturned by manager Levein when he took over from George Burley in December.[LNB]Levein is without his number one Craig Gordon, who is out with a broken arm, and McGregor, called up for the first time by Levein, will be handed a starting jersey.[LNB]"Craig is out and in all reality, Allan will start in goals, that's no big secret," the Scotland boss said.[LNB]"I am pleased with the quality of goalkeepers we have.[LNB]"The loss of Craig Gordon is one of these things. It happens in football and I feel more sorry for the lad than I do myself.[LNB]"But Allan is an able deputy.[LNB]"All the stuff that has happened in the past will linger now and then but I am trying my best to get away from that.[LNB]"Allan has played in big matches and this match won't faze him."[LNB]Levein admits there were "no surprises" in his 23-man squad.[LNB]The Scotland boss also recalled Stephen McManus after dropping the Middlesbrough defender for the friendly against the Czech Republic in March.[LNB]Rangers striker Kenny Miller was named despite shin splints hampering him during the Ibrox club's pre-season trip to Sydney and team-mate Kirk Broadfoot returns after fully recovering from the injury problems which blighted last season.[LNB]Levein said: "Normally when you are looking at players, there is a certain percentage in your squad which are based on current form and obviously at this time of the year, that is quite difficult.[LNB]"So the majority of guys have been picked on what they have done in the past, rather than what they are doing now.[LNB]"Between now and the start of actual qualifiers is the most important part and I will look at who is in form and make up my own mind for the Lithuania and Liechtenstein games."[LNB]Scotland squad: Alexander (Rangers), Marshall (Cardiff) McGregor (Rangers); Hutton (Tottenham), Berra (Wolves), Broadfoot (Rangers), McManus (Middlesbrough), Wallace (Hearts), Webster (Rangers), Whittaker (Rangers), Adam (Blackpool), Brown (Celtic), Dorrans (West Brom), Fletcher (Manchester United), McCulloch (Rangers), Morrison (West Bromwich Albion), Robson (Middlesbrough), Thomson (Middlesbrough), Boyd (Middlesbrough), Fletcher (Wolves), Iwelumo (Burnley), McFadden (Birmingham), Miller (Rangers).
