Steven Whittaker in Scotland squad after call-offs

SCOTLAND manager Gordon Strachan has been forced to reshuffle his squad after a third player pulled out ahead of the national side’s forthcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Wales and Serbia.

Celtic winger James Forrest and Leeds striker Ross McCormack had already withdrawn from the squad with Southampton full back Danny Fox, who earned his fourth Scotland cap in the 2-1 defeat to Wales in October 2012, pulling out for unknown reasons this afternoon. Norwich City defender Steven Whittaker has been drafted into the squad to replace Fox.

McCormack was forced to sit out Leeds United’s draw with Huddersfield Town at the weekend, whilst Forrest missed Celtic’s 4-3 comeback win over Aberdeen due to an ongoing back complaint.

Scotland face Wales at Hampden this Friday, before travelling to Serbia the following Tuesday.

Full squad

Goalkeepers: Matt Gilks, David Marshall, Allan McGregor.

Defenders: Christophe Berra, Gary Caldwell, Grant Hanley, Alan Hutton, Russell Martin, Charlie Mulgrew, Andy Webster, Steven Whittaker.

Midfielders: Charlie Adam, Liam Bridcutt, Chris Burke, Kris Commons, Graham Dorrans, Gary Mackay-Steven, James McArthur, James Morrison, Robert Snodgrass.

Forwards: George Boyd, Steven Fletcher, Shaun Maloney, Kenny Miller, Steven Naismith, Jordan Rhodes.