Depleted Scotland in search of 'feelgood factor'

07 November 2011 13:17

Scotland set off for Friday's friendly against Cyprus in Larnaca on Monday missing a clutch of injured players.

Charlie Adam (knee), Graham Dorrans (ankle), Alan Hutton (knee), Lee Wallace (thigh), Russell Martin (ankle), David Marshall (illness) are out while Leeds winger Robert Snodgrass is having a scan on a leg injury and is a major doubt.

Manager Craig Levein has called up St Mirren keeper Craig Samson, Stephen Crainey of Blackpool, MK Dons defender Gary McKenzie, Cardiff midfielder Craig Conway and Hearts' Ryan Stevenson.

Coach Kenny Black, speaking at Glasgow airport before flying out to Cyprus, admitted the call-offs were disappointing but insisted that there was value to be had from the training camp and match.

"There were six or seven out and we have already brought five in," he said.

"I think you run the risk of that with games on Saturday and Sunday.

"I think Craig was sitting by his phone and the updates were coming through, so it was disappointing but it is an opportunity for the guys who are going to be introduced to the squad."

Asked if the game was still worthwhile, he added: "Very much so. Craig is keen to keep that spirit in the camp.

"There was a disappointment of not qualifying for the Euros but we are looking ahead to another campaign now and it is important that we get the guys back as quickly as possible and move on for the World Cup campaign.

"We will have three or four days together but the most important thing is that we win the game and keep that feelgood factor."

The friendly in Larnaca is the first step in preparation for the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign which starts next year for the country that missed out on qualifying for Euro 2012.

Source: AFP