Iwelumo close to call-up
20 Nov 2007 - 10:50:11
Charlton Athletic striker Chris Iwelumo is close to a full Scotland call-up, according to national team boss Alex McLeish.
The 29-year-old former Colchester United hot-shot is expected to feature in the Scotland B team's friendly against the Republic of Ireland after finding the net seven times for the Addicks already this season.
McLeish said: "Alan Pardew has been pleased with him, and tells me the lad is a passionate Scot.
"He's a strong lad, and has been scoring goals in England for a few years now, and it was difficult to ignore him.
"He started out at St Mirren a few years ago and has matured well.
"There have been calls for him to be included earlier in the qualifying process but the timing wasn't right because all the players in the senior squad were doing exceptionally well.
"So now is the time and this is why the B games are so important for us, in terms of getting a look at one or two players."