Levein waiting on injuries

Scots boss will not name side to face Spain until Tuesday

Scotland manager Craig Levein will delay naming his team to play Spain in their final Euro 2012 qualifier until Tuesday morning due to injury concerns in his squad.

Striker Kenny Miller is still struggling with a groin complaint which kept him out of Saturday’s 1-0 win over Liechtenstein in Vaduz, a result which means a victory over the world and European champions in Alicante will guarantee the Scots a play-off place.

Craig Mackail-Smith, who scored his first goal in his first start for Scotland, has a back problem, skipper Darren Fletcher suffered an ankle knock and Barry Bannanhad to have a cut on his Achilles glued together.

Should both Miller and Mackail-Smith fail to make it, Blackburn’s David Goodwillie will play the lone-striker’s role.

When asked about injuries, the Scotland boss said: “Where to start?

“The most doubtful will be Kenny. He hasn’t improved from Friday until today.

“I’m not definitely ruling him out but he would be the most doubtful.

Tests

“Darren Fletcher and Craig Mackail-Smith will do a little bit today and will have fitness tests tomorrow.

“I am more hopeful with those two than Kenny but as yet I can’t give any definitive answer.

“Barry will do a little bit today. His problem is whether he can get his boot on so it doesn’t open up the injury again, it is in an awkward place.

“We are hopeful that we can put some sort of padding or strapping that will prevent it from opening up tomorrow.

“It is very difficult when there are so many important players who are doubtful. So it will be tomorrow before I find out.”

(source: skysports.com)