It was no surprise to find that Fir Park was not troubled by the national manager when he considered likely candidates for the game in Oslo. Our developing youngsters will have to serve their time in the U19 and U21 squads before stepping up to the big team. We have half a dozen who have come to the notice of Billy Stark and they will attend national training camps in the weeks ahead.
Jim Gannon's new signings from south of the border have changed the balance of nationalities in the Motherwell team and that swing is likely to increase with the prospect of more new players arriving from the lower English leagues. The chance of the red cross of St George flying on the flagpole beside the O'Donnell stand is still remote!
The full squad for the crunch qualifier in Oslo is listed below and we can take some comfort from the inclusion of Clarkson, McFadden and McCormack.
Goalkeepers
Neil Alexander Rangers
Jamie Langfield Aberdeen
David Marshall Cardiff City
Defenders
Darren Barr Falkirk
Christophe Berra Wolverhampton Wanderers
Gary Caldwell Celtic
Steven Caldwell Burnley
Callum Davidson Preston North End
Alan Hutton Tottenham Hotspur
Jamie McAllister Bristol City
Steven Whittaker Rangers
Midfield
Graham Alexander Burnley
Scott Brown Celtic
Kris Commons Derby County
Darren Fletcher Manchester United
Paul Hartley Bristol City
Shaun Maloney Celtic
James McFadden Birmingham City
Forwards
David Clarkson Bristol City
Steven Fletcher Burnley
Ross McCormack Cardiff City
Kenny Miller Rangers
Steven Naismith Rangers