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Beattie hopes to get Scotland nod

Last updated : 07 September 2007 By Danny Deeming
Craig Beattie has declared himself ready to make his first Scotland start in place of the injured Kenny Miller against Lithuania on Saturday.The 23-year-old West Brom striker has so far made five appearances for the national team, most recently featuring as a substitute in last month's triumph over South Africa in a friendly at Pittodrie. His most memorable contribution, however, was the last-minute goal which sealed three important Euro 2008 qualifying points against Georgia at the national stadium in March. Beattie - who describes that moment as "the highlight of my career so far" - is now hoping to take the next step in his international development by forcing his way into Alex McLeish's plans for 90 minutes of action against the Lithuanians. A daunting trip to Paris to face Group B leaders France follows four days later. Miller was one of three players forced to withdraw from the double header after sustaining a hamstring injury ahead of Celtic's Champions League qualifier against Spartak Moscow, before completing a transfer deadline day move to Derby County.

"Kenny would usually play so we will see towards the end of the week what the manager's plans are. Personally, I would be hoping to be involved. I'm in the squad for a reason. The manager has watched me and he knows that I can make an impact. Hopefully, I will do that this weekend from the start. If not, I hope to be involved in some capacity but all the boys here are capable of going out there and impressing." explained Beattie.

The air of confidence exuding from Beattie as he faced the media at Scotland's Loch Lomond base can be attributed to a summer move to Albion. Having become little more than a fringe player at Celtic, the young forward has do far featured in six matches for the Championship outfit this season. He has been further bolstered by claiming the winner against Bournemouth in the Carling Cup before netting again in last week's league victory over Barnsley.

"I took the step in the summer and I'm delighted with the way it has gone so far. I've scored a few goals and I have played in the majority of games so I'm happy. I was involved in the national set-up when I was at Celtic and not playing regularly so it can only benefit me that I'm playing regularly now. I've only been there for six or seven games but the fact that I'm playing is hopefully going to help me. From a personal point of view, I'm just glad to be playing every week." said Beattie.

Beattie, Kris Boyd, Garry O'Connor, James McFadden and Shaun Maloney comprise McLeish's attacking options for the double bill and Beattie believes the diversity of those players will provide a welcome selection headache for the Scotland boss.

"There are five strikers here now, after Kenny was forced to withdraw, and each one plays differently and each one has their own qualities. It's now the managers job to decide the ones who are going to win the match. There is variety and quality and the manager is fortunate that he has a bit of everything here which should stand us in good stead."

Scotland's auspicious start to the qualifying campaign leaves them trailing France by three points and just one shy of Italy, who face each other at the San Siro on Saturday evening. What once seemed an impossible task, is now a realistic target for the Scots according to Beattie.

"There is definitely a belief that we can qualify. We have given ourselves a great opportunity, the best we have had in 10 years. It's a very tough group but we have given ourselves a fantastic opportunity and a realistic chance" he insisted.