Scotland name squad for World Cup qualifiers

Kilmarnock striker Kevin Kyle and veteran Rangers defender David Weir have been recalled by Scotland for next month's must-win World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and the Netherlands.

Kyle, 28, has been in the international wilderness for five years but Scotland boss George Burley has been impressed by his recent scoring form, which has seen him plunder nine goals in his last six outings for Kilmarnock.

Rangers captain Weir, 39, was left out of last month's trip to Norway, where a 4-0 defeat severely dented Scotland's chances of reaching next year's finals in South Africa.

Celtic defender Stephen McManus has also been recalled despite having not played a competitive game since last season due to a knee injury.

Scotland must win their last two qualifiers to have any chance of snatching second place in group nine -- which the Dutch have already won -- and reaching South Africa via the play-offs.

Scotland squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia (September 5) and the Netherlands (September 9):

Goalkeepers: Neil Alexander (Rangers), Craig Gordon (Sunderland), David Marshall (Cardiff City) Defenders: Darren Barr (Falkirk), Stephen McManus (Celtic), Christophe Berra (Wolves/ENG), Gary Caldwell (Celtic), Steven Caldwell (Burnley/ENG), Callum Davidson (Preston/ENG), Alan Hutton (Tottenham/ENG), Jamie McAllister (Bristol City/ENG), Steven Whittaker (Rangers), David Weir (Rangers) Midfielders: Graham Alexander (Burnley/ENG), Scott Brown (Celtic), Kris Commons (Derby/ENG), Darren Fletcher (Man Utd/ENG), Paul Hartley (Bristol City/ENG), James McFadden (Birmingham/ENG), Shaun Maloney (Celtic) Forwards: David Clarkson (Bristol City/ENG), Steven Fletcher (Burnley/ENG), Kevin Kyle (Kilmarnock), Kenny Miller (Rangers), Steven Naismith (Rangers)