Rangers left-back Lee Wallace has been recalled to the Scotland squad for next Wednesday’s friendly against Estonia at Pittodrie.
Wallace had not been included since dropping to the Irn-Bru Third Division with the Ibrox side but new Scotland manager Gordon Strachan today named him in his first squad.
Birmingham winger Chris Burke and Leeds forward Ross McCormack have also been brought back into the national set-up.
Celtic winger James Forrest, who has been missing for several weeks with a hamstring injury, is one of four Parkhead players selected for the Aberdeen clash, which comes six days before their club’s Champions League clash against Juventus.
The squad is largely familiar with the likes of Kenny Miller and Alan Hutton included.
Wallace played in the 5-1 friendly defeat to the United States last May but was then overlooked by Craig Levein, who feared he would not be able to adjust to international football while playing in Scotland’s bottom tier.
Levein did pick Wallace’s Rangers team-mate Ian Black for the friendly win over Australia in August but stressed that was because of a shortage of midfielders.
Strachan revealed the decision to recall the former Hearts left-back came following discussions with his coaching and scouting staff.
“It was a collective thought,” he said.
“We had a look at the options in that area and Lee was one of the names. I asked ‘who do you think is playing well and deserves a pat on the back?’
“Is he a good player? Yes, he’s a good player. He is in the Third Division but can still be a good player.
“Lee’s been in the squad many times and played and he’s been a good player. I see no reason why he’s still not a good player.”
Celtic winger James Forrest, who has been missing for several weeks with a hamstring injury, is one of four Parkhead players selected for the Aberdeen clash, which comes six days before their club’s Champions League clash againstJuventus.
The squad is largely familiar with the likes of Kenny Miller and Alan Hutton included.
Wallace played in the 5-1 friendly defeat to the United States last May but was then overlooked by Craig Levein, who feared he would not be able to adjust to international football while playing in Scotland’s bottom tier.
Levein did pick Wallace’s Rangers team-mate Ian Black for the friendly win over Australia in August but stressed that was because of a shortage of midfielders.
Strachan revealed the decision to recall the former Hearts left-back came following discussions with his coaching and scouting staff.
“It was a collective thought,” he said.
“We had a look at the options in that area and Lee was one of the names. I asked ‘who do you think is playing well and deserves a pat on the back?’
“Is he a good player? Yes, he’s a good player. He is in the Third Division but can still be a good player.
“Lee’s been in the squad many times and played and he’s been a good player. I see no reason why he’s still not a good player.”