Anderson misses out for Scotland

Anderson was not expected to start against the Lithuanians

Scotland v Lithuania
Hampden Park, Glasgow
Saturday, 8 September
Kick-off: 1500 BST
Live: on BBC Radio Scotland & the BBC Sport website (UK only)
Highlights: BBC One Scotland 2300 BST and on the BBC Sport website*

Defender Russell Anderson has joined the list of withdrawals for Scotland's Euro 2008 qualifying double-header with Lithuania and France.

The Sunderland player misses out with a calf injury, along with striker Kenny Miller and full-back Gary Naysmith.

New Derby County recruit Miller, with nine international goals in 32 appearances, has a hamstring problem.

Captain Barry Ferguson is suspended for the Lithuania match but will be available to face France in Paris.

Interview: Scotland keeper Craig Gordon

Anderson, who left Aberdeen in the summer, was not expected to start at Hampden, with manager Alex McLeish likely to opt for a central defensive partnership of David Weir and Stephen McManus.

Miller, however, would have been foremost in the manager's plans and James McFadden said his fellow forward's absence was "a big blow".

But the Everton star, who will be competing for a striking role with Kris Boyd, Garry O'Connor and Craig Beattie, believes the national side will cope.

"That's the whole point of having a squad," said McFadden.

"There are always players waiting to come in and prove they should be in the team.

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"I'm sure it will give other players the chance to come in and prove what they can do."

Derby County's Jay McEveley, who earned his first cap in the recent South Africa friendly, is almost certain to replace Naysmith at left-back.

I wanted to show that I'm worthy of a place in the squad, although I'm not saying I should be starting Jay McEveley

McEveley, who represented England at under-21 level, said he had no regrets switching allegiance to the country of his grandfather's birth.

"I'm made up about being in the squad, that justified my decision (to choose Scotland)," he said.

"I wanted to show that I'm worthy of a place in the squad, although I'm not saying I should be starting.

"I'm still only young, I'm just back in the Premier League with Derby, so I will be happy to help the team from the stand, the bench or from the start."

Lee McCulloch and Gary Caldwell are on two yellow cards for the campaign and will miss the France game if they pick up a booking against Lithuania.

*Match highlights will be available on the BBC Sport website to UK users only. To watch full match highlights visit the SFA website where a charge will apply.