Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes has been handed his first call-up to the Scotland squad by Craig Levein.
Terriers forward named in squad for Cyprus friendly
Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes has been handed his first call-up to the Scotland squad by coach Craig Levein.
Scotland play Cyprus in a friendly match on 11 November and Levein has also recalled Russell Martin and Jamie Mackie for the international encounter.
However, James Forrest has been left out after the Scotland Under-21 manager Billy Stark pleaded with Levein to allow the Celtic winger to play in the European qualifier in Holland on 14 November, with Rhodes joining the younger group after the Cyprus match.
Steven Naismith and Danny Swanson drop out with injuries while Stephen Crainey and Stephen McManus have been left out, and both James McArthur and Lee Wallace retain their places.
On Rhodes's inclusion, Levein said: "I want to reward him for how he has been playing.
"He has been part of Billy's squad for quite a while. Scotland have been quick to recognise his abilities.
"I'm very confident he considers himself part of the group."
Mackie
Meanwhile, QPR striker Mackie has recently returned from a broken leg and Levein says his selection is down to impressive form.
"I'm a big fan of Jamie Mackie," the Scotland boss added. "The Tartan Army haven't had the opportunity to see as much of him as I have and see his strengths and qualities.
"In the minutes he has played since he has come back, he has been excellent. He made a big improvement in the QPR team when he came on at half-time against Tottenham on Sunday.
"I just feel as a reward for, not just battling back from injury, but the fact he's on top form, I want to have him back in the squad."
