Levein comments 'misconstrued' - Houston

13 August 2012 13:17

Scotland assistant manager Peter Houston claimed Craig Levein had been misrepresented over his comments on Lee Wallace as he explained why the defender's Rangers team-mate Ian Black had been called up to face Australia.

Levein left Wallace out of the squad for the Easter Road friendly on Wednesday, revealing the left-back's decision to sign up for Rangers in the Irn-Bru Third Division had made it more difficult for him. But Black was called up on Sunday along with Leeds striker Ross McCormack, while Blackburn forward David Goodwillie was drafted in on Monday morning.

When quizzed on Levein's comments, Houston responded: "He said the door was always open for Lee Wallace to get in the squad. He wants to have a look at Danny Fox as well. Lee Wallace is very much part of Craig Levein's plans, trust me, I know that personally. And Ian Black is a player for a position that we're a wee bit short of for this particular game."

He added: "Ian Black had a tremendous season last year and he's a quality football player. He has merited the call-up.

"The door is open to any player, whatever division they are in. And if they are playing well, it means Craig has got a decision to make. I think it's been misconstrued, what he said with regards to Lee Wallace."

Black did not have a proper pre-season after undergoing hernia surgery following his departure from Hearts but he started for Rangers during their 2-2 draw at Peterhead on Saturday.

"After the withdrawals, we spoke about what was available and the best player available to come into the Scotland squad was Ian Black," Houston said. "He almost got picked once or twice last season."

Goodwillie has struggled to make an impact since leaving Dundee United for Rovers a year ago but he comes in after four weekend withdrawals.

"We know David's a talented player and we have brought him up as cover," Houston said.

"Ross McCormack has been doing well and Ian Black has started the season well at Rangers."

Source: PA