Scotland picks uncapped duo for Northern Ireland

Published Feb. 1, 2011 12:42 p.m. ET

foxsports

Scotland called up Blackburn defender Grant Hanley and Aberdeen striker Chris Maguire for the first time Tuesday for next week's international against Northern Ireland.

"Grant is a young lad who has impressed in the short time he has been involved in the Premier League matches," Scotland coach Craig Levein said. "I've watched him four times and he has all the attributes to be a top-class center back."

Levein also picked Leeds winger Robert Snodgrass in the 22-man squad for his team's first match in the Nations Cup - which is played over four months in Dublin and also features Wales and Ireland.

Levein added that he had left out Dundee United striker David Goodwillie because he was charged by police last month over a sexual attack on a woman.

"It's an awkward situation to be placed in," Levein said. "He has a cloud hanging over his head just now. I thought long and hard about it and I believe I've made the right decision."

Scotland plays Northern Ireland on Wednesday, a day after host nation Ireland hosts Wales in Tuesday's tournament opener.

Scotland squad:

Goalkeepers: Cameron Bell (Kilmarnock), Craig Gordon (Sunderland), Allan McGregor (Rangers).

Defenders: Phil Bardsley (Sunderland), Christophe Berra (Wolves), Gary Caldwell (Wigan), Grant Hanley (Blackburn), Alan Hutton (Tottenham), Danny Wilson (Liverpool), Mark Wilson (Celtic).

Midfielders: Charlie Adam (Blackpool), Barry Bannan (Aston Villa), Scott Brown (Celtic), Kris Commons (Celtic), Graham Dorrans (West Bromwich Albion), Darren Fletcher (Manchester United), Lee McCulloch (Rangers), James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion).

Forwards: Chris Maguire (Aberdeen), Kenny Miller (Bursaspor), Steven Naismith (Rangers), Robert Snodgrass (Leeds).