Depleted Scots face up to Faroes friendly

Scotland manager Craig Levein has been hit with nine withdrawals from his original squad ahead of Tuesday’s friendly international against the Faroe Islands in Aberdeen.

Teenage Motherwell defender Steven Saunders was promoted from the Under-21 squad on Monday after Levein brought in St Johnstone midfielder Murray Davidson, Swindon full-back Paul Caddis and Wigan’s James McArthur.

The nine who withdrew included Wolves defender Christophe Berra, Blackpool goalkeeper Matt Gilks, Wigan defender Gary Caldwell and Cardiff winger Chris Burke, who all suffered injuries on Saturday.

Among those Levein tried and failed to call-up were Celtic full-back Mark Wilson, Rangers defender Kirk Broadfoot and Watford midielder Don Cowie.

But he insisted there would still be some benefit from Tuesday’s match at Aberdeen’s Pittodrie ground.

“I can say 100 percent this game will provide me with a lot of information,” Levein said Monday.

“Let’s not forget some of the best players that ever played international football got their chance in friendly matches.

“If we get through this game and I have discovered another two players then I will be delighted with that.”

Scotland suffered one of the most embarrassing results in their football history when they were held to a 2-2 draw away to the Faroes in a 2002 European Championship qualifier against a team made up largely of part-time players.