Scotland recall for Rae

Cardiff midfielder Gavin Rae today earned a recall to the Scotland squad for next week’s get-together at St Andrews.

The 31-year-old is part of a 26-man party for the three-day gathering, which manager George Burley has called as part of his preparations for the crucial World Cup qualifying double-header against Holland and Iceland in March and April.

Rae earned his first call-up for two years last season when he played in Burley’s first match in charge, March’s 1-1 friendly draw with Croatia.

He also played in May’s defeat in the Czech Republic and was in the squad for August’s goalless draw with Northern Ireland but was not included in the parties for any of Scotland’s three Group Nine qualifiers so far.

Also in today’s squad is first-choice goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who has not played for Sunderland since November due to an ankle injury.

But talismanic striker James McFadden has been omitted after damaging knee ligaments playing for Birmingham last week.

He is set to see a specialist on Friday to determine the extent of the problem, which could see him ruled out of the Holland and Iceland games.

Burley said: “I’m really looking forward to getting the boys together again as we step up our preparations for the crucial double-header against the Dutch and Iceland.

“The gathering gives us the chance to have a couple of training sessions and to work on the tactics for the games.

“We have a strong group of players who are passionate about playing for Scotland. We are all ready to take our country to South Africa.”

Scotland squad for St Andrews get-together (February 8-10):

Gordon (Sunderland), Marshall (Norwich), McGregor (Rangers); Alexander (Burnley), Barr (Falkirk), Berra (Wolves), Broadfoot (Rangers), Caldwell (Celtic), McAllister (Bristol City), McManus (Celtic), Naysmith (Sheffield United), Weir (Rangers); Brown (Celtic), Commons (Derby), Ferguson (Rangers), D Fletcher (Manchester United), Hartley (Celtic), Morrison (West Brom), Rae (Cardiff), Robson (Celtic); Clarkson (Motherwell), S Fletcher (Hibernian), Iwelumo (Wolves), McCormack (Cardiff), K Miller (Rangers), L Miller (Aberdeen).