Brown earns Scotland call
Scotland manager Walter Smith has rewarded Hibernian youngster Scott Brown for a flying start to the season by promoting him from the under-21s for the friendly with the United States.
The 20-year-old midfielder was named in the 24-man senior squad for the first time after catching the eye with his club.
Smith said: “He has been doing very exceptionally for his club at present.
“I know he has been playing in a wider area but he can play inside as well.
“I am interested to see if he can make the step up to full international level.
“He has an enthusiasm about his game and I hope he can bring his club form to international level. It’s a challenge for him to step up.”
Smith has also drafted in-form Aberdeen winger Jamie Smith, previously capped twice for the Future side, into his squad for the Hampden Park friendly on November 12.
The 24-year-old has been playing in Holland after being deemed surplus to requirements at Celtic but has turned his career around in the past few seasons.
Smith said of his namesake: “He has played in a couple of fringe games during his time in Holland and done very well in both games.
“He has started his Aberdeen career pretty well and he is one of those players who can dribble and take players on.
“We don’t have an abundance of that type of player so I want to see what he can do.”
Celtic goalkeeper David Marshall is left out of the squad at the expense of uncapped Aberdeen stopper Ryan Esson and veteran Robert Douglas.
With Kenny Miller and Craig Beattie ruled out through injury, Smith named James McFadden, Shaun Maloney, Garry O’Connor and Derek Riordan as his four strikers.
