Veteran Weir set for Scotland return

David Weir is set to return to the Scotland team after the 40-year-old Rangers captain was named on Tuesday in manager Craig Levein’s squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Lithuania and Liechtenstein next month.

There was speculation Weir’s international career was over when Levein left him out of his first two squads after taking over from George Burley last December.

But a 3-0 loss to Sweden earlier this month, in Scotland’s final warm-up game, led to a recall for former Hearts and Everton defender Weir.

“The thing about Davie is he is still playing at the highest level week in, week out,” Levein told www.scottishfa.co.uk:

“The fact he is still turning in top-class performances means it was a pretty easy decision to make for me.

“I had a good chat with him last (Monday) night and I told him I was not just bringing him along for the ride. I had a look at a few people in the last couple of games but we are playing for real now.

“My job is to pick the best players for each position and if you look around, Davie is probably as good as anyone.”

Blackpool goalkeeper Matt Gilks has been called up for the first time — despite letting in six goals agains Arsenal last weekend — after officials at the Scottish Football Association discovered he has Scottish grandparents.

Gilks replaces Neil Alexander and, with Gordon Marshall, will be back-up to Allan McGregor, once more Scotland’s first-choice keeper in the absence of the injured Craig Gordon.

Aberdeen captain Paul Hartley, 33, was also recalled by Levein after heading back to Scotland from Bristol City.

Steven Fletcher (foot), Alan Hutton (groin) and Kevin McNaughton (hamstring) may not be fit for the Lithuania game but could be ready for the match against Liechtenstein at Hampden on September 7.

Scotland squad announced Tuesday for the Euro 2012 qualifiers away to Lithuania on September 3 and at home to Liechtenstein on September 7:

Goalkeepers: Matt Gilks (Blackpool/ENG), David Marshall (Cardiff/WAL), Allan McGregor (Rangers)

Defenders: Christophe Berra (Wolves/ENG), Kirk Broadfoot (Rangers), Alan Hutton (Tottenham Hotspur/ENG), Lee McCulloch (Rangers), Stephen McManus (Middlesbrough), Kevin McNaughton (Cardiff/WAL), Steven Naismith (Rangers), Lee Wallace (Hearts), Andy Webster (Rangers), David Weir (Rangers)

Midfielders: Charlie Adam (Blackpool/ENG), Scott Brown (Celtic), Graham Dorrans (West Brom/ENG), Darren Fletcher (Manchester United), Paul Hartley (Aberdeen), James Morrison (West Brom/ENG), Barry Robson (Middlesbrough/ENG), Steven Whittaker (Rangers)

Forwards: Kris Boyd (Middlesbrough/ENG), Steven Fletcher (Wolves/ENG), Chris Iwelumo (Burnley/ENG), James McFadden (Birmingham/ENG), Kenny Miller (Rangers)