Rhodes recalled to Scotland squad for crunch Euro 2016 qualifiers

Blackburn Rovers striker Jordan Rhodes has earned a recall to Scotland’s squad ahead of their final Euro 2016 qualifiers against Poland and Gibraltar. Coral make Gordon Strachan’s side 8/1 chances to reach the tournament.

There is also a maiden call-up for 24-year-old Aberdeen full back Graeme Shinnie, after his involvement in helping the Dons to top the Scottish Premiership, with uncertainty over whether versatile Celtic player Charlie Muglrew will be fit for international duty.

Uncapped Wolves midfielder Kevin McDonald also returns, but those three at the only additions in a 27-man strong squad.

NEWS | Here is the Scotland squad for the @EuroQualifiers against Poland and Gibraltar #SCOPOL #GIBSCO pic.twitter.com/vF486rTqsV

— Scottish FA (@ScottishFA) September 29, 2015

Rhodes earns his recall after scoring five in his last four Blackburn games, with national boss Strachan running the rule over both him and Ross McCormack when Rovers played down at Fulham. Attacking midfielder Tom Cairney, who caught the eye in that contest, is omitted, however.

West Bromwich Albion midfielder James Morrison is included in the party, despite being suspended for the Poland game, alongside Baggies captain Darren Fletcher. Crystal Palace’s James McArthur and Celtic skipper Scott Brown complete the familiar engine room options.

Out wide, Johnny Russell, Matt Ritchie and James Forrest keep their places alongside Shaun Maloney and Ikechi Anya. Rhodes will compete with Steven Fletcher, Leigh Griffiths, Chris Martin and Steven Naismith.

In defence, Steven Whittaker, Andy Robertson and Alan Hutton are Shinnie’s competition in the full back berths. Christophe Berra will hope to be fit at centre half this time to challenge Gordon Greer, Grant Hanley and Russell Martin. Allan McGregor, David Marshall and Craig Gordon remain Strachan’s stopper selections.

Scotland squad to face Poland and Gibraltar in Euro 2016 qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Celtic), David Marshall (Cardiff City), Allan McGregor (Hull City)

Defenders:Christophe Berra (Ipswich Town), Gordon Greer (Brighton and Hove Albion), Grant Hanley (Blackburn Rovers), Alan Hutton (Aston Villa), Russell Martin and Steven Whittaker (both Norwich City), Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Hull), Graeme Shinnie (Aberdeen).

Midfielders: Scott Brown (Celtic), Darren Fletcher and James Morrison (both West Bromwich Albion), James McArthur (Crystal Palace), Kevin McDonald (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Wingers: Ikechi Anya (Watford), James Forrest (Celtic), Shaun Maloney (Hull), Matt Ritchie (Bournemouth), Johnny Russell (Derby County)

Strikers: Steven Fletcher (Sunderland), Leigh Griffiths (Celtic), Chris Martin (Derby), Steven Naismith (Everton), Jordan Rhodes (Blackburn).