Naismith fitness lift for Hampden clash

Steven Naismith has declared himself fit for Scotland’s crucial Euro 2012 qualifier against Czech Republic at Hampden Park on Saturday.

The Rangers striker struggled with a bruised hip bone during Sunday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Aberdeen at Ibrox, although he stayed on to score the second goal in the 2-0 win.

There was some confusion about Tottenham defender Alan Hutton, with suggestions that he was injured, but he too has joined up with Craig Levein’s squad along with captain Darren Fletcher. A Scotland spokesman said on Twitter last night: “Hutton, Naismith and Co assessed, fit and raring to go.”

Manchester United midfielder Fletcher has missed all five internationals so far this year because of the effects of a virus, and although he was included in Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad on Sunday for the visit of Arsenal, he didn’t make the bench for the 8-2 rout. However, Levein has already said: “He will play, guaranteed, in both games.”

Another key midfielder for Scotland, Charlie Adam, will come into the double-header in good heart having scored his first competitive Liverpool goal at the weekend in the 3-1 win over Bolton.

The visit of the Czechs comes before the home game against Lithuania next Tuesday night.

Scotland need victories in both games to have a realistic chance of finishing second behind runaway group winners Spain to grab a play-off place.