Trio given Scotland nods

Scotland have included three uncapped players in their squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers, with George Boyd, Liam Bridcutt and Gary Mackay-Steven in line for debuts.

The Scots hopes of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup are all but over already after two defeats and two draws in the first four matches.

Following their disastrous start to the qualification campaign under Craig Levein Scotland are now available at 41.00 to qualify for Brazil.

With joint group leaders Belgium and Croatia six points ahead of Scotland, Gordon Strachan has a big job on his hands just to keep the national team on the coat tails of the Group A leaders.

The former Middlesbrough and Celtic boss is keen to freshen up the set-up and as such has included Boyd, Bridcutt and Mackay-Steven in his squad for the games with Wales and Serbia.

Hull forward Boyd has represented Scotland B and will hope his fine season with Peterborough and the Tigers will earn him a first cap.

Bridcutt is another player who has done well in the Championship this season with Brighton, while Mackay-Stevens has impressed for Dundee United.

"Gary Mackay-Steven has been terrific this season and I think it is only right that we recognise young Scottish talent," Strachan told the SFA website. "Liam is a player I have known for a while and is highly regarded in the holding midfield position.

"Again, George is a player I have watched for years - I tried to sign him at Middlesbrough - and is in good form at Hull City."

Strachan will hope the less experienced players in the squad can stand up and be counted in the two matches later this month, especially with midfield duo Scott Brown and Darren Fletcher ruled out through injury.

Scotland re-start their World Cup qualification campaign against fellow strugglers Wales before they travel to Serbia the following week.

Serbia are 15.00 to win Group A, with Belgium priced at 1.80.

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