Injury set to rule Lee McCulloch out for Scots

Published on Sunday 28 February 2010 23:01

LEE McCulloch is expected to miss Scotland's friendly against the Czech Republic on Wednesday after picking up an ankle problem during yesterday's Old Firm win against Celtic.

The midfielder reported to the national team camp last night and his injury will be assessed this morning.

McCulloch had been hoping to make his Scotland comeback in the clash at Hampden after retiring from international football during the George Burley era. At that time, the 31-year-old claimed he wanted to focus on his club career with Rangers instead.

He agreed to return to the fold after holding talks with new manager Craig Levein but it looks as though McCulloch will have to wait a while longer to end his self-imposed international exile.

According to the club's website, www.rangers.co.uk: "More will be known tomorrow on the severity of the injury but it is hoped he will only be missing for a week or ten days."

Rangers had expected McCulloch to be sent home last night but the player volunteered to stay until at least this morning.

Hearts defender Lee Wallace and Dundee United stopper Andy Webster also reported to the Scotland camp carrying injuries but Levein is hopeful both will be available.

A Scottish Football Association spokesman said last night: "Lee is a doubt for the game but will stay with the squad overnight and have his ankle injury assessed in the morning.

"Lee Wallace has three stitches in an eye injury but should be fine while Andy Webster has a calf injury but that has improved over the weekend and he is hopeful of making it."

Wallace was forced off the pitch for treatment during Hearts' 1-0 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie in the SPL on Saturday. He required treatment for a blood injury and returned to the field wearing a head band.

United manager Peter Houston confirmed Webster was a doubt, saying: "Andy's calf was sore from training on Thursday and it was touch and go whether he played (on Saturday]. "The biggest concern for me is that I don't want him out for four weeks."