Scots recall boosts defender

Published on 21/08/2012 01:10

ANDY Webster is enjoying being back in harness with Scotland and yesterday he described the current squad as the best he has known since making his debut nine years ago, under Berti Vogts.

Webster returned to the centre of Scotland’s defence alongside Christophe Berra last week in the 3-1 friendly victory over Australia. The Hearts player’s Scotland career has been a stop-start affair in recent years as he battled with injury and he played no part in the last qualifying campaign. However, he has started Scotland’s last two games and it seems clear that manager Craig Levein sees him as a preferred option, with Gary Caldwell having moved into an anchor position in midfield.

Webster yesterday stressed the importance of getting off to a good start next month when Scotland begin their bid to qualify for the World Cup finals in Brazil with two home games against Serbia and Macedonia. “In any form of competition, whether it is league or international football, it is important to win your home matches, where you feel comfortable in your surroundings and there is a great atmosphere,” he said.

He appreciates his return to the side all the more after his injury woes. “When you come back after a period away you appreciate it all the more,” he said of his return to the international scene, where he has won 25 caps. “Not everything is handed to you on a plate. You have to trust in yourself and believe you will get another opportunity.

“This is probably the strongest squad I have seen since I have been involved,” he added. “A lot of these boys are playing Premier League football week in, week out, and the boys who are missing are top quality players as well. The standard of player has definitely improved.”