Rae replaces Ferguson

Gavin Rae has been starring for Dundee

Dundee's Gavin Rae has been called up to the Scotland squad to replace injured Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson, BBC Scotland has disclosed.

Sore ribs forced Ferguson to pull out of the squad for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against San Marino.

Rae had been tipped by some to make his debut in the national squad before Saturday's game against Belgium.

Ferguson's assured passing helped Scotland dominate the midfield until a late capitulation in the 2-2 draw. He was also guilty of missing a great chance to make the score 3-0 in favour of the home nation.

But the Rangers 22-year-old suffered a recurrence of an old injury.

Shattering blow

Ferguson told the Daily Record: "I picked up the injury last week against Motherwell and I took another bad knock in the first five minutes against the Belgians.

"It is extremely painful at the moment and I'm having trouble breathing, so I don't want to take any risks.

Barry Ferguson has had rib problems

"It is disappointing that I will miss the San Marino game, although I am sure the lads will still get the right result."

Former Under-21 captain Rae, now 23, has been drafted in after continuously superb form this season for Ivano Bonetti's talented, multi-national side at Dens Park.

His call-up will be officially announced at a Monday afternoon press conference.

Ferguson's former Ibrox colleague, Charlie Miller, had also been in the thoughts of Scotland manager Craig Brown.

Miller has helped revitalise United's season after being re-born himself at Tannadice following his disappointments at Watford.

Scotland will be looking for a confidence-boosting display against San Marino after suffering a shattering blow from Belgium's injury-time equaliser.

Belgium beat the Group 6 minnows 10-1 this month and Scotland will be determined to surpass the 2-0 win they themselves recorded in San Marino.