Craig Levein lauds Jordan Rhodes but warns Kenny Miller will remain first choice

SCOTLAND manager Craig ­Levein last night lauded Jordan Rhodes’ impressive first starting appearance for his country but insisted the prolific striker will still be second choice to Kenny Miller when the World Cup qualifying campaign begins next month.

Huddersfield Town front man Rhodes, who scored a remarkable 48 goals for his club and the Scotland under-21 side last season, netted his first senior international goal at Easter Road last night to help Levein’s side defeat Australia 3-1 in their final warm-up match ahead of the Brazil 2014 qualifiers.

It has pressed the 22-year-old’s claim for a place in Levein’s squad for the opening Group A fixtures against Serbia and Macedonia at Hampden on 8 and 11 September as Scotland bid to reach the finals of a major tournament for the first time since 1998.

But Levein made it clear last night that Rhodes will have to bide his time before wearing the number nine jersey on a regular basis. Miller, who was excused the trip to Scotland for the Australia friendly as he settles into Major League Soccer with Vancouver Whitecaps, will retain the lone striker role in Levein’s established 4-1-4-1 formation.

• Sports podcast: Analysing Scotland’s performance against Australia

“I would say Kenny is still our number one striker,” said Levein. “He has proved over a period of time that he can score on a number of occasions. We don’t have a great amount of strikers available and it was an ideal opportunity to see Jordan. After just one game, he will still have to be a little bit patient.

“I don’t like putting any pressure on a young guy making his debut but Jordan had put pressure on himself through his record of scoring goals. Tonight he did what I have watched him do countless times. Whenever the ball comes into the box, he has a fantastic ability to anticipate where it is going to drop. He handed the occasion very well tonight.”

Rhodes said: “Playing and scoring at Hampden is something I’ve always dreamed of and hopefully the chance comes. Whether that’s next month, next year or ten years away I’ll just try to do my best whenever I’m selected. There are so many good strikers and players for the manager to choose from there’s no way I’d say I was in pole position [for the qualifiers].”

It was an encouraging night for Levein as Scotland responded well to the loss of Mark Bresciano’s 18th-minute goal to secure the tenth victory of his 20-match tenure with Rhodes’ equaliser followed by an own goal from Jason Davidson and a late strike from substitute Ross McCormack.

But there was a sour note when Allan McGregor limped off with what Levein fears may be a serious groin injury after 23 minutes. The former Rangers goalkeeper, who moved to Turkish club Besiktas during the close season, is now a doubt for the opening World Cup qualifiers.

He was replaced last night by Blackpool’s Matt Gilks, while David Marshall of Cardiff City was also on the bench. Craig Gordon, the former Scotland number one, is still searching for a new club.

“Allan landed awkwardly and has hurt his groin,” said Levein. “He is in a lot of pain and it’s a concern. Matt Gilks came on and had one outstanding save, while we also have David Marshall to call on. But I hope Allan is fit in time for the Serbia and Macedonia games. He has been established as our number one for some time now and I’d love to have him available.”

Levein expressed his satisfaction with the level of Scotland’s performance in their first outing since the chastening 5-1 defeat against the United States in May.

“I was pleased with how we played. We had extra impetus after having a poor game in America, so we were really switched on. What I learned is that we have one or two other players capable of stepping into the side for the World Cup games. Danny Fox gave a really strong performance at left-back and we were strong in the wide areas. Robert Snodgrass also did his chances no harm.”

Rangers midfielder Ian Black, whose addition to the squad has caused a stir after Levein’s previous indication that playing in the Third Division would lessen the prospect of selection for the national team, made his debut as an 87th-minute substitute. The former Hearts midfielder was jeered by the home support inside Easter Road. “Those Hibs supporters, eh?” said Levein. “I think that’s what it was. He’s at Easter Road and he was a Hearts player for a long time. They were just letting him know. It’s probably the same every time he comes down here.”