Ian Black called into Scotland squad after four pull out

By JOHN LEES
Published on 13/08/2012 01:32

RANGERS midfielder Ian Black was last night called into the Scotland squad for Wednesday night’s friendly international against Australia at Easter Road.

The Scottish Football Association announced that Black and Leeds United striker Ross McCormack have been added to Craig Levein’s party following four withdrawals.

Winger James Forrest (groin), striker Jamie Mackie (calf) and defender Phil Bardsley (ankle) have pulled out while midfielder Graham Dorrans is with his baby daughter who is ill in hospital.

McCormack rejoins the squad having last featured in the Carling Nations Cup against Republic of Ireland last year.

Black’s call-up is perhaps more surprising given that he currently plays in the Third Division. The former Hearts midfielder, who will be hoping for his first full international cap having played in a 3-0 B International victory against Northern Ireland in 2009, featured for Rangers in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Peterhead.

When he named his initial squad last week, Levein was quizzed on the exclusion of Black’s Ibrox team-mate Lee Wallace, who has played for Scotland on six occasions. “It is very difficult for anyone playing in the Third Division in Scotland to be up to the speed of an international match,” was his reply.

Wednesday’s game is Levein’s last opportunity to get a look at his squad before the 2014 World Cup qualifiers begin next month. Scotland start their campaign with a double-header at Hampden against Serbia and Macedonia before trips to Wales and Belgium the following month.

Meanwhile, St Mirren midfielder Kenny McLean has been drafted into the Scotland Under-21 squad for tomorrow’s friendly against Belgium at East End Park.

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