Gordon Strachan calls up Callum McGregor and Craig Gordon

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Craig Gordon and Callum McGregorImage source, PA/Getty
Image caption,

Celtic midfielder McGregor has five caps for Scotland Under-21s

Euro 2016 Qualifying Group F - Germany v Scotland

Venue: Signa Iduna Park, Dortmund Date: Sunday, 7 September Kick-off: 19:45 BST

Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor has been called up for Scotland's opening Euro 2016 qualifier against World Cup winners Germany on 7 September.

Boss Gordon Strachan has also recalled goalkeeper Craig Gordon for the match at Signa Iduna Park in Dortmund.

Gordon, 31, has played three times for Celtic following his return to action from long-term injury.

McGregor, 21, is joined in the squad by one other uncapped player, Wolves midfielder Kevin McDonald, 25.

James Morrison, Chris Burke, Shaun Maloney and Craig Bryson are among the other midfielders in Strachan's 26-man squad.

Strachan has named three strikers - Sunderland's Steven Fletcher, Everton's Steven Naismith and Derby's Chris Martin - but has left out the likes of Jordan Rhodes, Ross McCormack and Leigh Griffiths.

Only three of the squad - McGregor, Gordon and Charlie Mulgrew - play their football in Scotland, all with SPFL champions Celtic.

McGregor has impressed Strachan after breaking into Ronny Deila's side, scoring three goals in Champions League qualifying and one in the Scottish Premiership.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Kevin McDonald has been rewarded for his fine form with Wolves

Strachan said McGregor, who has five caps and one goal at Under-21 level, had shown his hunger by going out on loan to English League One side Notts County.

"He's done something about his career," said Strachan. "He's got off his backside. It's easy just to sit here, so I liked that attitude.

"He's come back after dealing with reality and he's come back now to Celtic and scoring goals and going by people. We like to have people in who can eliminate people and go by them - and he's shown that."

Gordon's outstanding performance against Maribor in the Champions League seems to have impressed Strachan.

He last played for Scotland in November 2010, in a 3-0 friendly win at home against Faroe Islands under manager Craig Levein.

Gordon replaces Matt Gilks but faces competition from Allan McGregor - who continues to impress with Hull City - and Cardiff City's David Marshall.

"Matt's been terrific," said Strachan. "I spoke to him last night and he understands what I'm doing here.

"I have never really dealt with Craig. I have met him briefly a couple of years ago, so it will be nice to get to know him. That's really why I'm doing it, because McGregor and Marshall have been terrific.

"But Craig is back. Let's get him in the fold and see how he feels, see if he likes working with us."

Aston Villa right-back Alan Hutton is included in Strachan's squad after helping Paul Lambert's side to a second successive clean sheet in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Newcastle United, while left-back Andy Robertson has impressed in his two outings for Hull.

Central defender Grant Hanley is also included after finding the net for Blackburn on Saturday, while Derby County's Craig Forsyth and Norwich duo Russell Martin and Stephen Whittaker also make it.

Captain Scott Brown and fellow midfielder Robert Snodgrass are ruled out through injury.

Scotland squad:

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Celtic), David Marshall (Cardiff City), Alan McGregor (Hull City)

Defenders: Christophe Berra (Ipswich Town), Craig Forsyth (Derby County), Gordon Greer (Brighton and Hove Albion), Grant Hanley (Blackburn Rovers), Alan Hutton (Aston Villa), Russell Martin (Norwich City), Andrew Robertson (Hull City), Steven Whittaker (Norwich City)

Midfielders: Ikechi Anya (Watford), Barry Bannan (Crystal Palace), Craig Bryson (Derby County), Chris Burke (Nottingham Forest), Graham Dorrans (West Bromwich Albion), Darren Fletcher (Manchester United), Shaun Maloney (Wigan Athletic), James McArthur (Wigan Athletic), Kevin McDonald (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Callum McGregor (Celtic), James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion), Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic)

Forwards: Steven Fletcher (Sunderland), Chris Martin (Derby County), Steven Naismith (Everton)

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