Jimbo. 952 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 BBCDavid Weir and Paul Hartley back in Scotland squadWeir could become the oldest player to ever play for Scotland Veterans David Weir and Paul Hartley have been recalled to the Scotland squad, with Blackpool goalkeeper Matt Gilks being listed for the first time.It was thought that 40-year-old Weir's international career was over when Levein left the Rangers defender out of his first two squads.Aberdeen's Hartley, 33, also missed this month's 3-0 friendly defeat in Sweden as he was then without a club.But they could face Lithuania and Liechtenstein in Euro 2012 qualifiers.Scotland open their Group I campaign in Lithuania on 3 September and are at home to minnows Liechtenstein four days later.Scotland coach Craig LeveinRangers captain Weir replaces Dundee United's Garry Kenneth, who was much criticised for his display in Stockholm.Weir had an understanding with Burley that he would only be called up if he was certain to play and Levein could now put him straight into his defence for the game in Lithuania.The defender had been left out of previous national boss George Burley's plans last year.However, he was recalled for the World Cup qualifying double-header against Macedonia and Netherlands in September 2009, his last game being the 1-0 defeat to the Dutch at Hampden.Levein told the Scottish Football Association website: "The thing about Davie is he is still playing at the highest level week in, week out."The fact he is still turning in top-class performances means it was a pretty easy decision to make for me."I had a good chat with him last night and I told him I was not just bringing him along for the ride.Gilks lost six goals as Blackpool were beaten 6-0 by Arsenal "I had a look at a few people in the last couple of games, but we are playing for real now."My job is to pick the best players for each position and, if you look around, Davie is probably as good as anyone."Weir's Rangers team-mate, Andy Webster, returns after missing the friendly against Sweden through injury.Hartley's return had been expected, with the midfielder being hailed as the inspiration behind Aberdeen's fine start to the season.The 28-year-old Gilks, who was born in Rochdale, lost six goals as Blackpool were thrashed by Arsenal on Saturday in their second match back in England's top flight.However, the English-born goalkeeper, who has Scottish grandparents, has been preferred to Neil Alexander, who has been back-up to Allan McGregor at Rangers.McGregor is likely to remain Levein's first choice in the absence of the injured Craig Gordon, with Norwich City's David Marshall continuing in the squad after pulling out of the Sweden match through injury.Striker Steven Fletcher and defenders Alan Hutton and Kevin McNaughton are included in the squad despite being unfit for the Lithuania game.Levein is hopeful that the trio will be ready for the match against Liechtenstein at Hampden. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StewGer 606 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 I just knew old Davie would be back eventually Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooper1989 0 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Well done Davie -- always answers his country's call.And a helluva lot better than other 'options'. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emerson 2 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 I just knew old Davie would be back eventually No matter whay anyone thinks of him, he is still the best Scottish centre back by a country mile. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
iain1712 336 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 I'm as patriotic as the next guy but davie hang your international boots up mate the tartan trannies are looking for new scapegoats and rangers players fit the profile just fine for them Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbo. 952 Posted August 24, 2010 Author Share Posted August 24, 2010 The last thing Weir needs is more games this season.He's obviously far too good a pro to turn them down. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davie2909 21 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 8 Rangers players in the squad1 Mhank lol Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
papaguy51 912 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Internationals, SPL, League Cup, Scottish Cup and Champions League?Weir's gonna need to sit a few games out this year. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
minstral 5,375 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 If he has a poor game the shortbread munchers will give him abuse. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingbo 0 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 It's a sad indictment of the talent at centre half when a 40 year old is getting called up. Well done to Davie though, your form over the past few years at this great club has been incredible. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boab 73 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Gilks? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StewGer 606 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 The mans a machine, he'll still be the best on the pitch and I'm sure the extra games won't hurt him. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
papaguy51 912 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 I didn't even know the Blackpool keeper was Scottish. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Walter 0 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Cannot wait to see him back. Well done levein. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbo. 952 Posted August 24, 2010 Author Share Posted August 24, 2010 Gilks?Pardon you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Millsyrfc1 13 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Well done davie, have no doubts over him sitting out games. guys probably fitter than most the squad but you know there cant be much talent when a 40 year old is still getting a game, suppose levein dosent have much choice with people such as the brady bunch (caldwell brothers) then such classics as gary kenneth and stephen mcmancus, our CBs in scotland are a total joke but hats off to you davie Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GovanFrontGers 1 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Joke, shows how far back the Scotland team is at the moment.Plus, when will he get a rest? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott-RFC 308 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 I hate Leveins insistence on players having to be playing regularlyAlexander is obviously better than Matt GilksForrest should maybe have went into the 1st team as well, we lack pace Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluepeter 5,627 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 The last thing Weir needs is more games this season.He's obviously far too good a pro to turn them down.Although he's very fit, he's also very old in footballing terms. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dietspam 733 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Weir will be playing until he's 50. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
deleteduser1 169 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Weir or Kenneth? No fucking contest. btw Anybody see the state of Kenneth against Hamilton the other day? Looked like he was over 40 for fucksake. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muff 245 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Just what David Weir doesn't need, more games! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommy2212 151 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Internationals, SPL, League Cup, Scottish Cup and Champions League?Weir's gonna need to sit a few games out this year.Hopefully he sits out internationals, Rangers should be his priority. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan_1 1,136 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 IMO, Davie Weir should sit out League Cup and Scottish Cup games.Scotland need him just now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbo. 952 Posted August 24, 2010 Author Share Posted August 24, 2010 IMO, Davie Weir should sit out League Cup and Scottish Cup games.Scotland need him just now.With the greatest respect...Fuck Scotland. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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