McLeish goes with experience

Scotland manager Alex McLeish has called up his most trusted players for next week's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Italy.

McLeish named a 25-man squad for the Hampden clash on November 17, and there were no surprises.

Strikers Kenny Miller and Garry O'Connor are expected to shake off injuries in time to be available for the match.

Victory for Scotland would secure their place at Euro 2008, however defeat to the world champions would end those hopes.

If Scotland draw against Italy, their qualification chances will hinge on France losing to Ukraine on November 21. McLeish's squad includes cover for every position, with Sunderland defender Russell Anderson the only injury absentee.

The postponement of matches involving Rangers and Celtic this weekend means McLeish should have his full complement of Old Firm players available for the sold-out fixture.

McLeish and the Scottish Football Association were granted their request for Celtic's match against Falkirk and Rangers' clash at St Mirren to be postponed.

The Scottish Premier League's gesture means key men such as Barry Ferguson, Scott Brown and Stephen McManus will not run the risk of injury this weekend, however McLeish will be awaiting news of his England-based key players, such as Derby striker Miller, Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher and Everton striker James McFadden.

Scotland squad for Euro 2008 qualifier against Italy, to be played at Hampden on November 17:

Gordon (Sunderland), Marshall (Norwich), McGregor (Rangers); Alexander (Burnley), Caldwell (Celtic), Dailly (West Ham), Hutton (Rangers), McEveley (Derby), McManus (Celtic), Naysmith (Sheffield United), Weir (Rangers); Brown (Celtic), Ferguson (Rangers), Fletcher (Manchester United), Hartley (Celtic), McCulloch (Rangers), Pearson (Derby), Robson (Dundee United), Teale (Derby); Beattie (West Brom), Boyd (Rangers), McFadden (Everton), Maloney (Aston Villa), Miller (Derby), O'Connor (Birmingham).