Scots recall Dailly for Euro 2008 crunches

Scotland have recalled veteran defender Christian Dailly, seen here in 2005, for matches against Ukraine and Georgia that could decide the fate of their bid to reach Euro 2008 at the expense of either France or Italy.

Scotland have recalled veteran defender Christian Dailly for matches against Ukraine and Georgia that could decide the fate of their bid to reach Euro 2008 at the expense of either France or Italy.

Alex McLeish's squad currently top group B and wins over Ukraine, at Hampden on October 13, and Georgia in Tblisi four days later would leave them needing a point from their final match, at home to Italy next month, to be sure of edging out France for one of the two top spots in the group.

Dailly, a firm favourite with the Tartan Army currently on loan at English Championship side Southampton from West Ham, was recalled to the 24-man squad because Sunderland's Russell Anderson is ruled out through injury.

The major absentee from the squad is Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher, who has not played since hobbling out of the shock 1-0 win in France last month.

McLeish however is confident he can plug the gap left by one of Scotland's most consistent performers.

"To lose players of that calibre is always a loss but we have shown that we can cope without key players," the coach said.

Scotland's coach Alex McLeish, seen here in 2005, recalled veteran defender Christian Dailly for matches against Ukraine and Georgia that could decide the fate of their bid to reach Euro 2008 at the expense of either France or Italy.

Dundee United captain Barry Robson and Derby defender Jay McEveley have retained their places and there is also a recall for Derby striker Kenny Miller, who missed last month's wins over Lithuania and France with a hamstring injury.

Miller has made a strong start to his career with his new club following a summer move from Celtic, where he had struggled for first-team starts.

McLeish said: "Kenny is back playing again which is good to see. He has had a great start down there and it hasn't been a backwards step for him."

The Scotland manager does have a slight concern over Sheffield United defender Gary Naysmith's fitness but expects him to be in contention for the double-header.

"I spoke to Gary and he says if selected that he would be very much available," McLeish said. "Experience is the keyword, he has great experience and that is what we need at this crucial stage of the competition."

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers

Craig Gordon (Sunderland/ENG), David Marshall (Norwich City/ENG), Allan McGregor (Rangers)

Defenders

Graham Alexander (Burnley/ENG), Gary Caldwell (Celtic), Christian Dailly (West Ham/ENG), Alan Hutton (Rangers), Jay McEveley (Derby), Stephen McManus (Celtic), Gary Naysmith (Sheffield United/ENG), David Weir (Rangers)

Midfield

Scott Brown (Celtic), Barry Ferguson (Rangers), Paul Hartley (Celtic), Lee McCulloch (Rangers), Stephen Pearson (Derby/ENG), Barry Robson (Dundee United), Gary Teale (Derby County)

Forwards

Craig Beattie (West Brom/ENG), Kris Boyd (Rangers), James McFadden (Everton), Shaun Maloney (Aston Villa/ENG), Kenny Miller (Derby/ENG), Garry O'Connor (Birmingham City)