Allan McGregor to keep Scotland No 1 jersey despite return to fitness of Craig Gordon

02 October 2010 13:20
Allan McGregor will remain Scotland's No 1 despite the return of Craig Gordon to the international fold. [LNB]The Rangers keeper will start against the Czech Republic in Prague next Friday and against World Cup holders Spain at Hampden four days later. [LNB]It is a massive vote of confidence for McGregor given Gordon's record at international level, with Levein admitting he simply could not drop the in-form Ibrox goalie.[LNB] Roaring success: Allan McGregor will keep goal for Scotland in their upcoming internationals[LNB]The Sunderland keeper has just recovered from a broken arm - Black Cats boss Steve Bruce wanted Levein to go easy on him - but it seems the selection decision between the pair will now come in February for the Carling Nations Cup.[LNB]'Allan will play against the Czechs next Friday night in Prague and I think, yes, I would have stuck with him even if Craig was back playing,' said Levein. 'Nobody is a bigger fan of Craig than me. But it would be hard to fault Allan for what he has done for me. He is in terrific form.[LNB]'I gave Gordon his debut at Hearts and he went on to play more than 100 games in a row for the club, which was unheard of for a kid of his age. But Allan will play.'[LNB]Levein was unwilling to linger much in way of comment on McGregor's Boozegate 'accomplice' Barry Ferguson, who this week ruled out an international return. [LNB] Safe hands: McGregor has performed well while Craig Gordon has been sidelined with a broken arm[LNB]But he made it clear he won't set himself or the country up again for a knockback and said: 'As far as I am concerned, the situation is Barry Ferguson has decided he does not want to play for Scotland. [LNB]'It is straightforward - I won't name him in a squad. [LNB]'I had heard on the radio that Barry had intimated he might want to play. We made some inquiries but, as it turned out, that was not the case. [LNB]'Dialogue was ongoing between Michael Oliver and Barry. But it eventually came to an end. [LNB]'He said publicly he was interested, I made a call, Michael spoke to him again - and then he decided he wasn't coming back. [LNB]'That is the matter finished. I am not interested in talking about players who can't play for me.' [LNB] Mackie rewarded for QPR form with first Scotland call up for qualifiersCzech mates! Sunderland eye move for midfield duo Polak and PlasilNever again! Scotland snubbed by Birmingham midfielder Barry FergusonDoor wide open! Levein would welcome Barry back into Scotland fold[LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail