Scots recall O'Connor but Stewart and Fletch left out

Published on Wednesday 27 August 2008 13:27

EX-HIBS striker Garry O'Connor was today recalled to the Scotland squad for the opening World Cup qualifying matches away to Macedonia and Iceland.

Hearts skipper Christophe Berra, who won his second cap as a substitute in last week's goalless draw with Northern Ireland, is also in the 25-man squad but there was no place for Tynecastle team-mate Michael Stewart or Hibs' Steven Fletcher.

O'Connor, although named in manager George Burley's squad for his first match in charge against Croatia in March, won the last of his 15 caps almost 11 months ago, replacing James McFadden for the final ten minutes of the Euro 2008 qualifier win over Ukraine at Hampden.

However, the 25-year-old hitman has been in scintillating form for Birmingham City this season as Alex McLeish's side have soared to the top of the Championship.

Also recalled following his move from Aston Villa is Celtic forward Shaun Maloney, while Kevin Thomson and Kris Commons, who made their international debuts against Northern Ireland retain their places.

As expected, Tottenham full-back Alan Hutton has been excluded due to injury, while there is no place for Rangers defender Christian Dailly.

But veteran defender David Weir retains his place after being picked as a late replacement ahead of the Northern Ireland game.

There is also a second chance for Preston's Calum Davidson to earn his first cap for six years after injury forced him to pull out of the squad for last Wednesday's match.

Celtic midfielder Paul Hartley was another high-profile absentee from that game but he recovered to play for his club on Saturday.

Meanwhile Hibs star Dean Shiels has been named in the Northern Ireland squad which will play Slovakia away and the Czech Republic at home as they open their World Cup campaign.

Squad: Gordon (Sunderland), Marshall (Norwich), McGregor (Rangers); Alexander (Burnley), Barr (Falkirk), Berra (Hearts), Caldwell (Celtic), Davidson (Preston), McManus (Celtic), McNaughton (Cardiff), Naysmith (Sheffield United), Weir (Rangers); Brown (Celtic), Commons (Derby), Fletcher (Manchester United), Hartley (Celtic), Maloney (Celtic), Morrison (West Brom), Robson (Celtic), Thomson (Rangers); Boyd (Rangers), Clarkson (Motherwell), McFadden (Birmingham), Miller (Rangers), O'Connor (Birmingham).