Last updated : 06 September 2009 By Ed_ScottishFitba
Same again please
Scott Brown, who scored his first and vital opening goal for Scotland on Saturday, could well be fit and ready to face the Netherlands. The Celtic midfielder was rated doubtful for Wednesday's clash against the Dutch after picking up an ankle knock during the 2-0 win over Macedonia. The Scotland medics will be working hard to treat the knock over the next couple of days and are hopeful he will be fit to take part after being assessed at the team's Loch Lomond base. Brown has featured in every World Cup qualifier so far and looks set to retain his place for the midweek clash at Hampden. Callum Davidson is out of the game with a hamstring injury, while the SFA are checking with FIFA whether they can appeal the yellow card issued to James McFadden in the first half on Wednesday. Manager George Burley was informed by the match officials after the win that there was no course of appeal over McFadden's caution, which was for "unsporting behaviour". There is no harm in asking again of course as the McFadden factor does add a goal thr4eat whenever he takes the field. Burley may well make a couple of late call-ups over the next 24 hours but is boosted by the return of Gary Caldwell, who is available for selection again after suspension.
Burley is optimistic about Brown's chances of taking part against Holland. He said: "Scott got a whack on his ankle after 10 or 15 minutes and eventually had to come off. But he is a strong character and he is desperate to play. He has been in getting treatment today and it's not as bad as we first feared. I'm optimistic that he will be available for Wednesday night."
