Blues Pair Ruled Out Of World Cup Qualifiers

Last updated : 17 March 2009 By Brian Cartlidge

McFadden has been sidelined with medial ligament damage since the end of January and although close to a return to league action he has not been named in Scotland boss George Burley's 26-man squad for the away game against the Dutch in Amsterdam on 28th March and the home fixture against Iceland four days later.

"James has shown that he's a top international player," Burley has said.

"I spoke with [Blues boss] Alex McLeish last week and it's maybe just a week or so too early for James, which is a little frustrating.

"He's a had a nasty injury that has kept him out for the past six or seven weeks but he's progressing well.

"It's a big loss because naturally you want all your talented players available but unfortunately James won't be available for these two games."

Fellow striker Garry O'Connor has also been left out of Burley's party as he has only recently returned to the Blues' first team squad following almost five months on the sidelines with a groin injury. O'Connor made his first team comeback with a 25 minute substitutes appearance in the away win against Doncaster Rovers last weekend.

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Sunderland), Allan McGregor (Rangers), David Marshall (Norwich City).

Defenders: Graham Alexander (Burnley), Darren Barr (Falkirk), Christophe Berra (Wolves), Kirk Broadfoot (Rangers), Gary Caldwell (Celtic), Alan Hutton (Tottenham), Jamie McAllister (Bristol City), Stephen McManus (Celtic), Gary Naysmith (Sheffield United), David Weir (Rangers).

Midfield: Scott Brown (Celtic), Kris Commons (Derby County), Barry Ferguson (Rangers), Darren Fletcher (Manchester United), Paul Hartley (Celtic), James Morrison (West Brom), Gavin Rae (Cardiff City), Gary Teale (Derby County).

Forwards: David Clarkson (Motherwell), Steven Fletcher (Hibernian), Chris Iwelumo (Wolves), Ross McCormack (Cardiff City), Kenny Miller (Rangers).