Stuart Armstrong earns Scotland recall for Germany qualifier

Gordon Strachan has handed Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong another chance to earn his first senior Scotland cap, after naming him in the national squad to face Georgia and Germany in the penultimate round of Euro 2016 qualifiers.

The Tartan Army face a trip to Tbilisi first on September 4th and then host the world champions at Hampden Park three days later. Strachan’s side are now odds-on at 10/11 with Coral to reach the Euro 2016 finals with the tournament held in France next summer.

Armstrong was first called up by Scotland in May 2013 when he played for Dundee United. Bhoys teammates Scott Brown, James Forrest, Leigh Griffiths, Craig Gordon and Charlie Mulgrew all join him on the roster.

Cardiff City custodian David Marshall is included, despite persisting speculation that West Bromwich Albion will sign him. Speaking of the Baggies, Darren Fletcher and James Morrison, who scored twice against Chelsea despite seeing a penalty saved, are other midfield options open to Strachan instead of Armstrong.

In-form striker Griffiths will be pushing for a start if he continues to grab goals, as alternative options Steven Fletcher and Steven Naismith are out of favour at Sunderland and Everton respectively, while Chris Martin sees his place at Derby County under threat from ex-England international Darren Bent.

Scotland squad for Euro 2016 qualifiers with Georgia and Germany
Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Celtic), David Marshall (Cardiff City), Allan McGregor (Hull City)

Defenders: Christophe Berra (Ipswich Town), Craig Forsyth (Derby County), Gordon Greer (Brighton and Hove Albion), Grant Hanley (Blackburn Rovers), Alan Hutton (Aston Villa), Russell Martin and Steven Whittaker (both Norwich City), Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic), Andrew Robertson (Hull)

Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong and Scott Brown (Celtic), Darren Fletcher and James Morrison (both West Bromwich Albion), James McArthur (Crystal Palace)