GORDON Strachan has given a strong indication he intends to play Charlie Mulgrew when Scotland take on the Republic of Ireland in a Euro 2016 qualifier in Dublin next month - despite the Celtic midfielder only taking part in 45 minutes of competitive football this year.
Mulgrew, who made his comeback from a hamstring tendon injury in the second half of Celtic's game against St. Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on Friday night, was yesterday named in Strachan's 26-man squad for the Qatar friendly and Ireland match.
The 29-year-old was outstanding alongside his club mate Scott Brown in central midfield in the 1-0 victory over Martin O'Neill's team at Celtic Park back in November when he received the Man of the Match award.
There is healthy competition for places in that area with Charlie Adam, the Stoke City player who has been recalled to the national squad after a 14 month absence, Darren Fletcher, James McArthur and James Morrison also available.
However, Mulgrew's commanding performance in the Group D match at Parkhead last year has made him a strong contender for a run-out in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, June 13.
Strachan is confident the 16-times capped internationalist, who is hoping to be play again against Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Sunday before Celtic are presented with the SPFL Premiership trophy, will be fit enough to take part in the crucial fixture.
Asked about Mulgrew's display against the Republic of Ireland last year, Strachan said: "I thought he was absolutely terrific. But I have got to say that I could pick a few games Charlie has been terrific in. So it's a huge bonus (having him back). The Qatar game will be good for people like Charlie who haven't played for a long time."
There have been growing calls for Adam, who last played in a competitive outing for his country against Serbia over two years ago, to be drafted back into the Scotland set-up as a result of his form in England this season.
The former Rangers, Blackpool and Liverpool midfielder grabbed the headlines when he scored from inside his own half in a Barclays Premier League game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last month.
However, Strachan stressed Adam would have to adapt to the system he favours if he wanted to feature. "Charlie and myself had a conversation about this a long time ago," he said. "So he knows exactly how I think. This team plays in a certain style. It might be different from your own club where you might be successful."
Elsewhere, Scott Bain, the 23-year-old Dundee goalkeeper, has been called up Scotland for the first time as Allan McGregor, the Hull City player who Strachan revealed has been playing with a shoulder injury for a year, is rested.
"I always like to bring in bright young players in every now and then so I can freshen up the squad," said Strachan. "It lets them have a chance to look at it. Dundee have had a smashing season and he (Bain) is one of the boys who has done well. Jim Stewart is the man who sees more of the goalkeepers than me and it comes down to his final decision to bring Scott in."
Grant Hanley of Blackburn Rovers and Chris Martin of Derby County, meanwhile, were also omitted due to injuries. There is no place for Jordan Rhodes, the Blackburn striker who netted three goals in the Ewood Park club's last three games of the season, either.
Leigh Griffiths of Celtic, whose goals have helped Ronny Deila's side win the Scottish title for the fourth season running, is one of four strikers selected. Steven Fletcher, Steven Naismith and Johnny Russell are the others.
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