Scotland manager Craig Levein is not worried about Steven Nesmith's temperament ahead of the trip to Lichtenstein and Spain for the final two Group I EURO2012 qualifying games. Naismith was the first player to have been dealt with by the SFA's new fast-track procedures dealing with misconduct and is out of contention for his club due to accepting a retrospective ban for violent conduct. This did not prevent the midfielder's name appearing in Levein's squad for the crucial games. Naismith was suspended for elbowing Austin McCann during last week's win at Dunfermline and missed the midweek win over Kilmarnock, and will miss as tomorrow's visit by Hibs. However, Levein insists Naismith has a big role to play for Scotland irrespective of the flashpoint. He said: "Steven Naismith, for me, isn't somebody who has a reputation for being a particularly aggressive player. It's a football matter and these things happen in football and he will have to serve his ban the same as anyone else would. But he will be a vital cog in our wheel in these two games. Phil Bardsley is serving a suspension and Steven is serving a suspension but they will both be ready to play for us." Sunderland defender Bardsley, who is working (or rather not) working his way through a four-game ban, is also in the squad, while lack of game time this season has cost Liverpool's Danny Wilson his place in the group. According to Levein, experience was the deciding factor in both cases. He said: "Danny Wilson is a 19-year-old boy, who hasn't got a lot of experience behind him. Phil is a very experienced player. In the last double-header, I brought Darren Fletcher back into the group having not played. They are two completely different things, bringing a young player in and bringing an experienced player in. Phil has played plenty of football this season. In some ways he is fresh and available and he will be able to play two games for us." However, there was no place for the injured Scott Brown, whose ankle injury was picked up on international duty in August. Levein said: He said: "It's a massive blow. He's such an infectious character and has started the season very well. Unfortunately he is injured and we don't have him and he's not available. Guys like Don Cowie would look upon that as an opportunity. I've been more than pleased with his performances in recent times. Other players are more than capable of stepping into Scott's shoes." The silver lining to Brown's cloud allows a first call-up for Dundee United midfielder Danny Swanson, who was surprised at his inclusion but keen to make an impact. He said: "I came in to training not expecting to be in the squad - it is the best news I've had in a long time. They're massive games for the country, and it is great to be a part of it. I hope I won't get too starstruck. I don't want to go just for the craic, but whether I'm involved or not just to go on the plane with the squad is going to be huge for me."
Source: FOOTYMAD
