Scotland boss Craig Levein has no qualms about returning David Weir and Paul Hartley to the international fold as he looks to their experience for their opening Euro 2012 qualifiers against Lithuania and Liechtenstein next month.
Hartley, 33, is selected after making an impressive start to the season with new club Aberdeen, scoring four penalties in three games, and Levein hopes he can add a new dimension to his side following their 3-0 defeat against Sweden earlier this month.
"As I said before, the only reason Paul was not in the squad against Sweden was that he did not find a club," he said. "Experience was the key with him. We do not have a natural holding midfield player but Paul's experience in the position is vital for me."
Weir, 40, is included after being left out of the squad for Levein's first two matches in charge of the national team. The Rangers captain last pulled on a dark blue jersey almost 12 months ago against Holland at Hampden, but will get the chance to add to his 65 caps in Kaunas on September 3.
"The thing about Davie is he is still playing at the highest level week in, week out," Levein told www.scottishfa.co.uk.
"The fact he is still turning in top-class performances means it was a pretty easy decision to make for me.
"I had a good chat with him and I told him I was not just bringing him along for the ride.
"I had a look at a few people in the last couple of games but we are playing for real now.
"My job is to pick the best players for each position and if you look around, Davie is probably as good as anyone."
Source: PA
