Swanson drafted in to replace injured Brown

DUNDEE United midfielder Danny Swanson has won his first Scotland call-up for the Euro 2012 deciders against Liechtenstein and Spain as manager Craig Levein named his squad today.

Swanson comes into the squad after Celtic captain Scott Brown was ruled out with an ankle injury.

There is no place for Hibernian striker Garry O’Connor, who took his goal tally for the season to ten with a double against St Johnstone last night, or his former Easter Road team-mate Steven Fletcher.

Fletcher recently claimed he had not made himself unavailable for selection despite asking not to be considered for the Carling Nations Cup tie with Northern Ireland in February, but his exile continues.

Levein bought Swanson from Berwick while United manager and has called him the most talented player he has worked with.

The 24-year-old would have been in earlier squads but missed out through injury, but has recovered from early-season fitness problems to net in each of United’s last two Clydesdale Bank Premier League games.

Brown is out with the ankle injury he first picked up in Scotland’s friendly win over Denmark in August, with Celtic manager Neil Lennon fearing he faces more than a few weeks on the sidelines.

Levein has made three changes in all in his 25-man squad for the games in Vaduz on October 8 and against the world champions in Alicante four days later.

Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall comes in for Preston’s Iain Turner while Middlesbrough defender Stephen McManus returns to the squad. Liverpool centre-back Danny Wilson has dropped out.

Swanson is unlikely to start either game but Levein is keen to have him involved with the squad.

He said: “I’ve tried to get him into the squad on numerous occasions but he has been injured.

“I believe he fits the profile of the type of football we are trying to play.

“I think he will be a valuable addition to the squad. I don’t expect him to start any of the matches but it’s good to finally get him into the squad to see what it’s all about.”

On the absence of Brown - who is out with an ankle injury - Levein said: “He is such an infectious character and started the season well.

“Unfortunately he is injured and we don’t have him and he’s not available.

“There are other players more than capable of stepping into Scott’s shoes.”

Scotland squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Liechtenstein on October 8 and Spain on October 12:

Goalkeepers:

Gilks (Blackpool), McGregor (Rangers), Marshall (Cardiff),

Defenders:

Bardsley (Sunderland), Berra (Wolves), Caldwell (Wigan), Crainey (Blackpool), Hanley (Blackburn), Hutton (Aston Villa), McManus (Middlesbrough), Whittaker (Rangers)

Midfielders:

Adam (Liverpool), Bannan (Aston Villa), Cowie (Cardiff), Dorrans (West Brom), Fletcher (Manchester United), Forrest (Celtic), Morrison (West Brom), Naismith (Rangers), Robson (Middlesbrough), Snodgrass (Leeds), Swanson (Dundee Utd)

Forwards:

Goodwillie (Blackburn), Mackail-Smith (Brighton), Miller (Cardiff)