Kennedy called up for Scotland

Scotland coach Berti Vogts. Celtic defender John Kennedy's stirring performances against Barcelona and Rangers last week have been rewarded with his first cap for Scotland in the friendly against Romania.

Celtic defender John Kennedy's stirring performances against Barcelona and Rangers last week have been rewarded with his first cap for Scotland in the friendly against Romania.

Manager Berti Vogts' assistant, Tommy Burns, said on Wednesday: "I don't think you can get two more difficult away games.

"We are looking at young players of that stature getting into the international squad."

Scotland are attempting to pick themselves up after a 4-0 thrashing by Wales in Cardiff on their last run out.

But Vogts' plans have been frustrated by injury.

Burns summed up the situation when he shrugged: "How long have I got to explain who's in and out?"

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher, who suffered a groin injury in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal, and Blackburn striker Paul Gallagher are the latest names to go.

Vogts may also be without Celtic midfielder Stephen Pearson, who picked up a knock in the Old Firm derby with Rangers. Definitely missing are Robert Douglas, Jackie McNamara, Andy Webster, Gary Naysmith and Kevin Kyle.

"It's disappointing in one way because we had a team in mind for the game but to be honest it's normal for players to pull out. It's part and parcel of international football," said a philosophical Burns.

"It's so difficult when you are trying to bring people together but there's an opportunity for the other young players to show what they can do."