Bain handed Scotland Call Up

Photo by Jeff Holmes

Dundee goalkeeper Scott Bain has been handed his first call-up to Gordon Strachan's Scotland squad ahead of the June 5 friendly with Qatar and the Euro 2016 qualifier with the Republic of Ireland eight days later.

The 24-year-old Dens Park stopper has been rewarded for his impressive displays for Paul Hartley's side this season.

Meanwhile, Dark Blues boss Strachan has recalled Charlie Mulgrew despite the Celtic utility man having missed the last five and a half months with hamstring trouble, while Hoops team-mate Leigh Griffiths and Stoke's Charlie Adam are also included.

Mulgrew made his return to action against St Johnstone on Friday night as he was given the second 45 minutes of the goalless draw in Perth.

Adam has not featured for his country since the Warsaw friendly with Poland in March last year, while Griffiths - Celtic's top scorer with 19 goals this term - will hope to win his fifth cap, just under two years from his last in a Hampden World Cup qualifier with Belgium.

However, there continues to be no room for his Parkhead team-mates Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven, despite the impressive nature of their displays since switching from Dundee United at the end of January.

Dropping out of Strachan's selection are Hull goalkeeper Allan McGregor and strikers Stevie May, Jordan Rhodes and Ross McCormack.

Scotland will use the challenge match with the 2022 World Cup hosts at Hibernian's Easter Road as vital preparation for their Dublin clash with the Republic of Ireland as they prepare to keep their Group D qualifying bid on track.