O'Connor out of Scotland games

Scotland were dealt a blow ahead of the World Cup qualification double-header with Italy and Norway when striker Garry O’Connor was ruled out for both games.

The Hibernian forward was sent back to Edinburgh this morning because of a back injury.

The 22-year-old was set to play his part in the games with the Italians at Hampden Park on Saturday and the Norwegians in Oslo next Wednesday and had scored his first senior goal for his country in Austria earlier in the month.

Scotland manager Walter Smith said: “It’s disappointing. The young player was just coming into the team and making his way. He would have come into our thoughts.”

Smith is already without Wigan midfielder Lee McCulloch because of a knee injury and he misses both games too.

Hearts defender Steven Pressley is suspended for the Italy clash but will be free to play in Oslo.

Previous games under Smith and his predecessor Berti Vogts usually saw far more call-offs but Smith was hoping Wolves duo Jackie McNamara and Kenny Miller, both of whom are set to start, will report later in the day unscathed following last night’s victory over QPR.

For the first time, Smith will have all three first-choice midfielders Barry Ferguson, Darren Fletcher and Nigel Quashie available.

But he was cautious in declaring his preferred starting 11 would still be available come 5.30pm on Saturday.

He said: “I’ve learned that even in my short time as manager it’s not a good idea to make plans before everybody turns up.”

The absence of O’Connor could open the door for Dundee United’s uncapped Lee Miller to make a high-profile debut.

Celtic’s in-form striker Craig Beattie will also be hoping for the same after graduating from the under-21s.