Whittaker ready to impress as Scots limp to Prague

Steven Whittaker believes his versatility can be the answer for Scotland as Craig Levein’s injury hit squad travel to Prague to take on the Czech Republic on Friday.

Celtic midfielder Scott Brown became the latest to withdraw from the squad for their Euro 2012 qualifying clash after injuries also claimed Kirk Broadfoot and keeper Matt Gilks.

There are also doubts about Tottenham defender Alan Hutton and Barnsley left-back Jay McEveley while midfielder Lee McCulloch is suspended for the match.

The injuries are a headache for Levein whose side have made an unbeaten start to their campaign with four points from a goalless draw in Lithuania and victory against minnows Liechtenstein at Hampden, courtesy of an injury time winner.

But Whittaker, who has provided cover in various positions at club side Rangers, says he is willing to play out of position to help the Scotland cause.

“Predominantly I am a right-back but in my time at Rangers I have played at left-back and for Scotland on a few occasions, too. It is something you get used to,” the utility man said.

“It is just the same job but on the other side. The use of the ball may fall on to your left side which is not the strongest but you try to deal with it the best you can.

“When I play out of position, I am more filling in. It is because Rangers or Scotland are struggling in that position.

“It is something that I do not mind doing if it helps the team. I’ve always practised with both feet and it is something I’ve always been capable of doing.”

After their trip to Prague, Scotland welcome world champions Spain to Hampden next Tuesday.

But Whittaker insists his teammates shouldn’t be thinking beyond Friday.

He said: “The big one for us is the first one. We need to go there, keep it tight and try to get some points from the game. A victory would be a brilliant result for us, a point would not be so bad either.

“We will take it as it comes. Tuesday against Spain is a big game that everyone wants to play in. But the first game is the one that counts the most and everyone around here will be thinking the same thing.

“It is better that game comes first because you are a wee bit fresher, you can go for it.

“The Spain game will take care of itself. It will not be hard to get ourselves up for that.”

The Scotland boss has drafted Don Cowie and Kevin McNaughton into his squad and handed a surprise call-up to Sunderland’s English-born Phil Bardsley, who qualifies through his Scottish father.

Kenny Miller, who has scored ten times in the Scottish Premier League this season, ended a 12-game goal draught with the national team when he netted against Liechtenstein and is set to win his 50th cap in the Synot Tip Arena.

But there is no room for former Rangers striker Kris Boyd, who has failed to make an impact since his move to Middlesbrough with QPR forward Jamie Mackie handed his first call-up.

Allan McGregor is expected to retain his place in goal, despite a slight injury worry, ahead of Craig Gordon who is just returning from several months out injured.

The Czech Republic, who lost their opening game at home to Lithuania last month, are without former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Milan Baros for the match due to injury.