No Levein hints over selection

Scotland manager Craig Levein has refused to give any hints about his team selection for the Euro 2012 qualifier against the Czech Republic amid speculation Kenny Miller is set to be dropped on Friday night.

The Rangers striker is enjoying the best form of his career, with 10 goals in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League already this season, and had hoped to earn his 50th cap in Prague. Reports suggest he is set to be axed in favour of club-mate Steven Naismith and QPR's Jamie Mackie, however Levein was remaining tight-lipped ahead of the clash.

"The team will be named as usual 24 hours before the match," said the manager. "I'm not going to make any comments at this moment in time about who's playing and who's not. The team hasn't been named, I can assure you of that. I'm not going to give any indication as to what the team is at this moment in time."

Asked if Miller was still in his thoughts, he replied: "Of course."

Levein may have to wait until after training on Thursday night to finalise his team selection.

Scott Brown was forced to withdraw from the squad on Wednesday, while Alan Hutton and goalkeeper Allan McGregor are still injury doubts.

The Scotland boss added: "We have some issues that I'm hoping will be clearer in training.

"There are a couple of guys who haven't done a full training session as yet but I'm hopeful those guys will be okay and available for selection."

Meanwhile, late call-up Phil Bardsley could make his debut quicker than anticipated if Hutton fails to recover from a groin problem in time.

The Sunderland full-back - who was born in England but qualifies through his Scottish father - earned his first call-up after switching allegiance to the Scots and says he is ready to answer an SOS.