Scotland v Macedonia: Injuries, kick off, TV and key players

Published on 10/09/2012 19:21

SCOTLAND will be desperate to kick-start their ‘Road to Rio’ after drawing a blank against Serbia at Hampden on Saturday.

As a result of an ongoing dispute over its official name, Macedonia still enters international competitions under the full name of Former Yugoslav Republic (FYR) of Macedonia. Strangely, only two of the squad play football in Macedonia in their homeland, with most of the squad playing their club football in Romania, Belgium and Azerbaijan amongst others. Keen-eyed anoraks may recognise defender Velice Šumulikoski - who spent a couple of seasons at Ipswich Town and Preston North End - or as the Macedonians fans refer to him, the ‘Balkan Gerrard’ after Liverpool and England midfielder Steven.

DATE: Tuesday, September 11

KICK-OFF: 8:00pm

VENUE: Hampden Park

TV CHANNEL: Sky Sports 1 at 8:00pm

SCOTLAND INJURIES

Craig Levein is yet to decide on his starting formation, but there are doubts over the fitness of Charlie Adam and goalkeepers Matt Gilks and Allan McGregor. Adam is rated ‘doubtful’ whilst Allan McGregor should be fit for the match. Craig Samson has been called into the squad as emergency backup but Levein is hopeful that all three will make it.

Scotland’s extensive injury list sees Darren Fletcher, Danny Fox, Steven Whittaker, Scott Brown, Russell Martin, Lee Wallace and Phil Bardsley all sidelined.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

The sides met in World Cup qualifying prior to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, with Macedonia registering a 1-0 win over the Scots in Skopje, whilst in the return match, Scotland fared a little better, winning 2-0 thanks to goals from Scott Brown and James McFadden.

ODDS

4/5 Scotland win

5/2 Draw

7/2 Serbia win

KEY PLAYERS

All eyes will be on Kenny Miller - should he hold onto the lone striker’s berth - after the forward missed a host of chances against the Serbs on Saturday, whilst Scotland will be expecting more from James Morrison.

Macedonia’s talismanic striker, Goran Pandev, will have the hopes of a nation resting on his shoulders as they seek to cause something of an upset in Glasgow.