Vogts needs to overcome language barrier, says Wilkie

Dundee defender Lee Wilkie believes Scotland boss Berti Vogts struggles to get his message across to players.

The Scotland international was dropped from the squad for the friendly against the Republic of Ireland last month but was left disappointed not to receive an explanation.

The 22-year-old is hoping to earn a recall to the squad next week for the Euro 2004 qualifiers against Iceland and Lithuania after impressing for the Dark Blues since the winter break.

Wilkie said: “I was very disappointed not to be in the squad for the Irish match.

“Now Dundee have had a great run, I would be even more disappointed not to be in this time.

“Dundee haven’t lost since the winter break and we haven’t conceded many goals either.

“I have made my contribution to the run which has taken us into the top half of the SPL.

“I did well for Scotland in the win in Iceland yet heard nothing from Berti about why I was dropped from his plans.

“Perhaps he should explain himself better, take players aside and let us know what’s happening. Players like to know where they stand.

“I had problems with a foreign coach before in Ivano Bonetti. He found it difficult to put things across.

“Maybe Berti might have to think about employing an interpreter to help out.”

Meanwhile, former Scotland international Ally McCoist has urged Vogts to call Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher into the full squad on Wednesday.

The 19-year-old started his first game for the Old Trafford club in the 1-1 draw with Basle in the Champions League this week before being replaced by David Beckham.

McCoist said: “We don’t have a lot going for us at international level but, with a bit of luck, young Darren can fill that gap.

“It wouldn’t do any harm to put him in the squad straight away.”