Hughes called up by Scotland

Portsmouth midfielder Richard Hughes has been called up to the Scotland squad for their World Cup qualifying double-header against Norway and Moldova.

Berti Vogts named the 20-man squad yesterday but that was down to just 19 players before he even had chance to meet the media after Neil McCann pulled out with a hamstring strain.

Hughes becomes the first player to be drafted into Vogts’ plans from his stand-by list ahead of Saturday’s game against Norway at Hampden.

The German has doubts over three other players – including Hearts skipper Steven Pressley with a virus – but is unlikely to make any more changes in personnel until tomorrow at the earliest.

Vogts was also unable to call upon defenders Jackie McNamara, John Kennedy, Malky Mackay, Christian Dailly and Lee Wilkie for the two games but Russell Anderson insists he is not taking a starting place for granted.

The defender has been in sparkling form for Aberdeen this season but claims he has no idea if he is in Vogts plans for this weekend.

He said: “He hasn’t given much away so I will just have to wait and see what happens.

“There are a few players with knocks at the moment but they could be okay for the two games. We have started positively at Aberdeen and I think I’ve benefited from that a lot because it’s easier to play in a team where everyone is playing well.”