20110324

Mackail-Smith: Wins Scots call
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Craig Mackail-Smith has been called into Scotland’s squad for their international friendly against five-time world champions Brazil on Sunday.
Head coach Craig Levein has turned to the Peterborough marksman after Rangers forward Steven Naismith’s withdrawal, leaving Bursaspor’s Kenny Miller and Aberdeen talent Chris Maguire as his only recognised strikers
The forward, who has an impressive 27 goals for Posh this season, was born in Watford but qualifies for the Scots through his Scottish grandmother.
Mackail-Smith will play for Peterborough against Bristol Rovers in League One action on Friday night before joining the Scotland squad in London.
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Levein has heard good things about the 27-year-old marksman from scout Michael Oliver and Posh boss Darren Ferguson and is looking forward to seeing him in action.
“Craig is a player Michael has watched for some time and he has been highly recommended to us by Darren Ferguson,” Levein said.
“He has had a fantastic season and I am confident he will be able to translate his domestic form into the international arena.”
Over the moon
Mackail-Smith could not be happier to be in the frame to win his first cap for Scotland.
“I am absolutely over the moon and my gran will be the proudest gran in the world,” said the striker.
“She has followed my career since childhood and always hoped – like I did – that I would one day be able to play for Scotland.
“I certainly never imagined that I would be playing against Brazil on Sunday, the plan was to kick back on the sofa and watch it on TV.
“I have had a really good season and this just caps it off for me. Hopefully I will get a chance to show the Scotland fans what I am capable of.”
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Levein turns to Posh ace
