Berra blow for Scotland

Christophe Berra was on Friday ruled out of Scotland's World Cup qualifier with Macedonia on Saturday due to illness.

The Wolves defender was sent home from the squad as a precaution but is expected to be okay for Wednesday night's final Group Nine game with Holland.

Berra's absence leaves Scotland boss George Burley with just three centre-halves to choose from against Macedonia, and it appears certain Celtic captain Stephen McManus will start his first game of the season alongside veteran Rangers skipper David Weir.

Gary and Steven Caldwell are ruled out through suspension and injury, respectively, while Darren Barr has won only one cap. McManus has been sidelined since picking up a knee injury last season and has yet to play under new Celtic boss Tony Mowbray.

The 26-year-old played in a reserve-team game for the Hoops last week and has taken a full part in training with the national squad in the last few days.

But his selection would be a gamble for Burley, who cannot afford anything other than victory if Scotland are to keep their slim hopes of reaching the World Cup play-offs alive.

As well as Steven Caldwell, Burley has already lost Kilmarnock striker Kevin Kyle to injury, while third-choice goalkeeper Neil Alexander will miss the Macedonia game after picking up a knock in training.

Aberdeen's Jamie Langfield was on Thursday drafted in as cover, and Birmingham striker Garry O'Connor was this week called up to replace Kyle.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Football Association are refusing to comment on a report claiming Sir Alex Ferguson had been approached to manage Scotland on a part-time basis before Burley's appointment.

It has been suggested Manchester United boss Ferguson, who managed his country at the 1986 World Cup after the death of Jock Stein, was offered the job following the departure of Alex McLeish for Birmingham in November 2007.