QPR striker Jamie Mackie’s impressive early-season form has earned the 25-year-old his first call-up to the Scotland squad ahead of their forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers (Scotland 11/2 – to Qualify).
The former Plymouth hitman, who was born in Dorking, has bagged eight goals in eight games since his summer switch from Home Park to Loftus Road, with the R’s yet to taste defeat in the Championship so far this term.
Mackie’s inclusion means there is no place for 17-cap Kris Boyd whose career has failed to kick on since he left Glasgow Rangers for struggling Middlesbrough during the close season.
Scotland boss Craig Levein insists Boyd will be back once he finds his form while the former Dundee United boss has also revealed Mackie has been on his radar since nailing his colours to Scotland’s mast in August.
Speaking in Motherwell, Levein said: “He has been watched on four separate occasions and each report has been excellent.
“We have been looking high and low to add to the existing pool that we can pick from.
“I believe his grandfather was born in Kilmarnock so he fits the criteria and I’m happy to have him on board.
“If you look at the strikers I have picked, I have picked players on form, that is basically it.
“I have had a chat with Kris and explained that to him.
“He is a top goalscorer and I have no doubt that once he hits a bit of form he will be back involved in the squad.”
There are recalls for keeper Craig Gordon, defender Gary Caldwell and striker Shaun Maloney.
The Scots travel to the Czech Republic for a clash in eight days before entertaining Spain at Hampden Park on October 12.
Scotland (16/1 Group Winners) top Group I on four points after making an unbeaten start to the qualification campaign against Lithuania (0-0) in Kaunas and at home to Liechtenstein (2-1).
Meanwhile, Barcelona ace Xavi, Arsenal midfielder and Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol have been ruled out for Spain who face Lithuania before making the trip to Hampden.
Scotland:
Goalkeepers: McGregor (Rangers), Gilks (Blackpool), Gordon (Sunderland)
Defenders: Hutton (Tottenham), Berra (Wolves), Broadfoot (Rangers), McManus (Middlesbrough), G Caldwell (Wigan), Weir (Rangers), Whittaker (Rangers)
Midfielders: Adam (Blackpool), Brown (Celtic), Dorrans (West Brom), McCulloch (Rangers), Fletcher (Manchester United), Morrison (West Brom), Robson (Middlesbrough), McEveley (Barnsley), Maloney (Celtic)
Forwards: Fletcher (Wolves), Iwelumo (Burnley), Mackie (QPR), Miller (Rangers), Naismith (Rangers).
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