Naismith named in Scotland side (From Northwich Guardian)

Naismith named in Scotland side

10:23pm Thursday 2nd September 2010 in National Sport News © Press Association 2011

Steven Naismith will start for Scotland in their opening Euro 2012 opener against Lithuania as Craig Levein left James McFadden out of his first competitive line-up.

Lee McCulloch was also handed a start ahead of Paul Hartley in midfield while Alan Hutton has overcome fitness doubts to take his place at right-back.

Davie Weir will partner Stephen McManus at centre-back with Steven Whittaker at left-back.

Barry Robson will play on the opposite flank to Naismith with Scott Brown and captain Darren Fletcher joining McCulloch in the centre.

Levein had earlier revealed that Kenny Miller would play up front and Allan McGregor retained his place in goal to make it six Rangers players in the team.

The inclusion of Naismith was the biggest surprise in Levein's selection for the qualifier in Kaunas on Friday night.

The versatile Rangers player impressed when starting for Scotland in their last competitive international, a 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat by Holland. He has not played under Levein but his early-season form and ability to track back has earned him a start.

Wide players McFadden and Graham Dorrans have been dropped following the 3-0 friendly defeat in Sweden, while Wolves centre-back Christophe Berra also paid the price for last month's loss.

Hutton had originally been expected to be fit only for Tuesday's clash against Liechtenstein at Hampden following hernia surgery but he has impressed Levein in training.

The Scotland manager announced his team via the Scottish Football Association website shortly after a training session.