McNaughton to start against Sweden

Scotland caretaker manager Tommy Burns has told recalled Aberdeen defender Kevin McNaughton he will start against Sweden next week.

The 22-year-old was capped twice two years ago by Berti Vogts but he was quickly jettisoned by the German, who branded him too “nervous” for international football.

Burns, who was Vogts’ assistant and is in the running to become his permanent successor, was convinced the time was right for McNaughton to return.

He said: “He is back to his best and was outstanding against Celtic. I spoke to Jimmy Calderwood and he said that was how he had been playing all season.”

Burns drafted one new face into the squad to face a Henrik Larsson-less Sweden at Easter Road on Wednesday November 17.

That was Kilmarnock goalkeeper Alan Combe, who, at 30, is far more experienced than the two men Vogts had picked for previous squads, Craig Gordon of Hearts and Celtic teenager David Marshall.

Burns confirmed that Marshall would start in a week’s time to gain valuable experience at international level but made it clear that 21-year-old Gordon was still his nation’s number one.

He said: “Craig Gordon is the preferred choice at number one but David Marshall is running him close. The two are the best two goalkeepers we have.”