KRIS COMMONS' exclusion so far from the Scotland squad has been a source of bemusement to Joe Ledley but also one of relief.

Commons, who may be belatedly called up if Robert Snodgrass is ruled out, has been one of Celtic's brightest performers in the first few weeks of the term, making his omission all the more puzzling.

It has left Ledley feeling somewhat conflicted. As a Celtic team-mate he has a great deal of sympathy for Commons, who he feels more than merits a berth in Craig Levein's squad. However, as a likely starter for Wales, Ledley is relieved that Commons, as thing stand, won't be playing in Cardiff. "From a selfish point of view we're happy he's not involved as he's a very dangerous player," he said. "As a friend, though, I'm devastated for him as he's been fantastic this season. It's down to the manager why he hasn't been picked. We're not too sure.

"I'm sure, though, knowing how he is, this won't hurt him and he'll just keep continue his form. If you give him time on the ball he will hurt you. There are a lot of good midfielders in the Scotland squad so it was always going to be a battle for him but I'm sure it's only a matter of time before he's called back up. Last season wasn't one of his better seasons but this year he's been fantastic and his time will come."

Another Celtic team-mate will probably be involved and Ledley will make sure his countrymen are made fully aware of the threat posed by James Forrest. "He's one of the best young players I've seen for a long time," he said. "I've not seen anyone before as quick as him. The coaches will have done their homework but we'll let the players know what to expect too. You have to be on your toes with James as he can score goals and pass the ball well, too."

Wales have made a poor start to the campaign, opening with defeats at home to Belgium and then away to Serbia, and Chris Coleman has yet to enjoy a victory as coach. "The players want to get that win for him," said Ledley, who missed the previous two matches due to injury. "He's a good manager and we look forward to meeting up and playing under him. It's always hard to get your first win but we want to achieve that on Friday. Living in Scotland this is almost like a derby for me and hopefully it will be a sell-out.

"We've done well against Scotland in the past. There's always a lot of goals in these games and, personally, I've tended to do well against them. Hopefully we can continue that, although it will be difficult. Both teams are under pressure. We're coming into it off a bad defeat against Serbia and looking to put things right and Scotland need a win so both teams will be fired up to take all three points.

"I think a draw would be worse for Scotland than us. It would be nice for us because we'd at least then have a point on the board but I think both teams will be set out to go for the win."