The Clarets full back, who has featured to impressive effect as the holding midfielder in the last two games, has been named in George Burley's 24-man squad for the games with Macedonia and Iceland.

The Scots open their Group Nine campaign in Macedonia on Saturday, September 6th, before travelling to Iceland four days later.

Alexander played the full 90 minutes in the goal-less friendly draw with Northern Ireland at Hampden Park last Wedmnesday night, as he picked up his 34th cap, and fourth while with Burnley.

First-choice right back, Tottenham Hotspur's £8m man Alan Hutton, is still recovering from a stress fracture to his right foot, and Burley said: "Alan has progressed in the last few years into a top-class international full-back, some people would say one of the best full-backs in Britain.

"It's very disappointing, but we were aware of his injury pre-season.
"We kept our fingers crossed that he would be available for the start of the campaign. Unfortunately, that isn't to be."

Burley, who will be taking charge of his first competitive internationals, is still waiting for his first win as Scotland boss, following draws with Croatia and Northern Ireland at Hampden, and defeat to the Czech Republic in Prague.

The Scotland squad is: Craig Gordon (Sunderland), David Marshall (Norwich City), Allan McGregor (Rangers), Graham Alexander (Burnley), Darren Barr (Falkirk), Christophe Berra (Heart of Midlothian), Gary Caldwell (Celtic), Callum Davidson (Preston North End), Stephen McManus (Celtic), Kevin McNaughton (Cardiff City), Gary Naysmith (Sheffield United), David Weir (Rangers), Scott Brown (Celtic), Kris Commons (Derby County), Darren Fletcher (Manchester United), Paul Hartley (Celtic), Shaun Maloney (Celtic), James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion), Barry Robson (Celtic), Kevin Thomson (Rangers), Kris Boyd (Rangers), David Clarkson (Motherwell), James McFadden (Birmingham City), Kenny Miller (Rangers), Garry O'Connor (Birmingham City).

Meanwhile, Clarets midfielder Kevin McDonald has also been included in the Scotland Under 21 squad for their forthcoming UEFA European Championship games.

They entertain Slovenia on Thursday, September 4th, before facing Denmark on Tuesday, September 9th in Aalborg.


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