Scotland reluctant to man-mark Wales talisman Gareth Bale

Scotland are unlikely to man-mark Gareth Bale in Friday's World Cup qualifier, according to assistant boss Mark McGhee.

Bale has been in sparkling form for Spurs recently and also scored a double when Wales beat Scotland last October.

"We will have a plan to deal with him but we are the home team and will exert our own pressure," McGhee said.

"I don't think we will be man-marking him."

Bale suffered an ankle knock in Sunday's defeat by Fulham but is expected to be fit to face Scotland at Hampden.

"I think he's having the same influence for Tottenham as Ronaldo or Messi have for Real Madrid or Barcelona, " added McGhee.

"When we do win the ball back off Wales we need to be positive with it.

"I've never played in a team that did a man-marking job or managed a team that (did it). It's a rare thing that you man-mark somebody.

"And a player as good as Gareth Bale will overcome that.

"I don't think you can man-mark him. As a team, you have to deal with him.

"It'll be the manager's first game in charge and we want to do it justice."

Norwich City defender Steven Whittaker has been called into the Scotland squad ahead of their World Cup qualifiers.

Former Rangers star Whittaker's inclusion follows the withdrawals of James Forrest, Ross McCormack and Danny Fox.

Scotland assistant boss Mark McGhee said: "We feel Steven's one who will be here for future matches too."

Ten players took part in Scotland's first training session on Monday ahead of the Wales clash.

The rest of the squad will join up later after their involvement in matches at the weekend.