Levein: Brazil test
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Craig Levein has added Peterborough’s uncapped Craig Mackail-Smith to the Scotland squad to face Brazil.
The Scotland manager is looking to explore new options and has been impressed by the reference he has received from Posh manager Darren Ferguson.
Mackail-Smith has notched 27 goals so far this term for the League One side and Levein will be no doubt keen for him to replicate that at international level.
Levein had been on the lookout for new striking options after the withdrawal from the squad by Stephen Naismith, leaving him with only Kenny Miller as his only recognised front man.
Scotland have been in La Manga for the last couple of days preparing for their high profile friendly at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and their management team hope they are now in game mode.
Craig Levein’s men will not resume their Euro 2012 qualification bid until September but a stern test against the Brazilians awaits.
Talented
The Scots are set to continue with their talented trio of Charlie Adam, Barry Bannan and Kris Commons, who started against the Faroe Islands in their last outing.
Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley is ruled out with a knee injury, while Iain Turner has also withdrawn from the squad.
Robert Snodgrass is also set to continue after being blooded in the recent Carling Nations games.
Celtic captain Scott Brown travelled with the squad despite suffering a hamstring injury in the defeat to Rangers last Sunday.
West Brom’s James Morrison is determined to play even though he needed stitches after a clash of heads in their 2-2 draw with Arsenal, while Darren Fletcher misses the game through injury.
Brazil
Brazil will be without AC Milan striker Pato who misses the game after he sprained his ankle.
Villarreal striker Nilmar is doubtful so Internacional’s Leandro Damiao has been drafted in as cover.
The 21-year-old is uncapped but has scored 13 goals this year and is possibly one for the future.
Brazil coach Mano Menezes is currently preparing his side for the Copa America which starts in July, but he has also stated he will use this game to look at options for next summer’s Olympics.
AC Milan’s Robinho has been left out of the squad after captaining them to their 1-0 defeat in their last friendly game.
The rest is here:
Scotland v Brazil preview