McLeish keeps door open for O'Connor

Scotland manager Alex McLeish has confirmed that both Garry O’Connor and Barry Robson feature in his plans for the national team.

Lokomotiv Moscow striker O’Connor has been out of the Scotland picture since failing to show for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Ukraine last October.

However he has demonstrated contrition and, with Walter Smith’s exit in January bringing about a change in management, McLeish will consider the 24-year-old for an international which is pencilled in for August.

McLeish said: “Garry played on Tuesday night in a win that takes Lokomotiv Moscow through to the Russian Cup final and he played 90 minutes. I’ve seen the footage and he looks back at his bustling best.

“We don’t want to rule anyone out and we have a game in August earmarked for players who are not in this squad.

“We’re going to do it in Scotland, but away from Hampden. It’s likely to be Pittodrie but we have to get that finalised.”

The likes of Christian Dailly, Jackie McNamara, Scott Severin, Chris Burke and Neil Alexander could all come back into McLeish’s squad for that game, after being dropped for the upcoming friendly against Austria and Euro 2008 qualifier against the Faroe Islands.

West Ham’s Nigel Quashie and Reading’s Graeme Murty, who are presently injured, could also be handed the chance to press their claims for regular selection.

Robson is a player McLeish believes has plenty to offer, however the Scotland boss will make the uncapped 28-year-old wait for his chance.

Given the attacking midfield options already in the Scotland squad, McLeish was again unable to find room for Robson when he named his squad on Friday.

“He’s on the radar,” confirmed McLeish, “but we didn’t think it would be appropriate with Darren Fletcher and James McFadden coming back.

“It would have been difficult for him to play in the central area.”