**Scotland manager George Burley will name his squad for the vital World Cup qualifying double-header with Macedonia and Holland on Tuesday morning.**With two victories at Hampden required next month to have a chance of a play-off berth, the return to fitness of goalkeeper Craig Gordon is timely.
Rangers’ veteran defender David Weir may earn a recall.
Stephen McManus, Ross McCormack, Barry Robson and Chris Iwelumo are ruled out with injuries.
Central defenders Steven Caldwell and Christophe Berra are also struggling with knocks, while Gary Caldwell is suspended for the Macedonia clash on 5 September.
With Darren Barr playing a full-back for Falkirk this season, Burley is likely to call on the experience of 39-year-old Weir.
The Rangers defender won the last of his 63 caps in the 0-0 draw with Norway at Hampden last October, his only appearance in this World Cup qualifying campaign.
Ibrox team-mate Kevin Thomson may bolster Burley’s options but the midfielder, returning from long-term injury, missed out on some much-needed match time following his early red card on Sunday.
The absence of forwards Iwelumo and McCormack could pave the way for international returns for Kilmarnock’s Kevin Kyle and Birmingham centre forward Garry O’Connor, while Derek Riordan’s two goals for Hibs at the weekend may have given Burley food for thought.
A crushing 4-0 defeat in Norway earlier this month has left Scotland’s hopes of qualifying through the play-offs hanging in the balance.
Anything less than three points against Macedonia would extinguish them altogether.
The Scotland squad will be announced at approximately 1100 BST.