USA v Scotland preview

Published: Friday, 25. May, 2012 in category U.S. National Team
Phillips: Expected to make his Scotland debut

Scotland coach Craig Levein will be looking to end a solid 2011/12 season with victory over the United States in Jacksonville.

Though Levein was unable to steer Scotland through to Euro 2012, his side have lost only one of their seven matches this season and that was against reigning world and European champions Spain.

The campaign started with a 2-1 home friendly win over European Championship qualifiers Denmark, while the last two games have produced a 2-1 success away to Cyprus and a 1-1 draw in Slovenia.

Levein has taken a strong squad over the Atlantic and Blackpool winger Matt Phillips is in contention to make his debut after opting to play for Scotland ahead of England.

Johnny Russell has been included in the party for the first time, although Levein has said the Dundee United striker is there for the experience and is unlikely to play.

Recalls have also been handed to Shaun Maloney and Andy Webster, with the duo having not featured during the current season.

Maloney has been rewarded for an impressive end to the season with Wigan Athletic and the winger could win his first cap since November 2010.

Webster, meanwhile, has not featured for Scotland since Levein's first game in charge against the Czech Republic in March 2010 and the defender has linked up with the national team on the back of helping Hearts to win the Scottish Cup last weekend.

There is also some club rivalry on the agenda as the United States squad contains Rangers duo Maurice Edu and Carlos Bocanegra, who could come up against Allan McGregor, Steven Whittaker and Lee Wallace.