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Matteo and Dobie withdraw from Scotland squad

Lisa Gray
Tuesday 08 October 2002 00:00 BST
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Berti Vogts, the Scotland manager, has suffered a double selection setback ahead of Saturday's Euro 2004 qualifier against Iceland.

The German had hoped that the Leeds United defender Dominic Matteo would make his return to the national set-up and had named him in the squad for the crucial game. However, Matteo will now undergo an operation to cure a troublesome knee injury and will not join his Scotland team-mates.

The West Bromwich Albion striker Scott Dobie has also been forced to withdraw from the squad. He picked up a groin injury during the Baggies' 2-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United at the weekend and will stay in the West Midlands.

The Albion manager Gary Megson admitted that the 23-year-old was disappointed at missing out on the chance to play in Saturday's important game.

Megson told the club's official website: "Scott's too sore and stiff and won't be able to travel. He's very, very disappointed."

The Old Firm regulars Paul Lambert and Barry Ferguson were set to join the rest of the squad late last night when assessments of their fitness were due to take place.

The Celtic midfielder Lambert was substituted during Sunday's 3-3 draw with Rangers at Parkhead but Martin O'Neill, his manager, said afterwards that the switch had been precautionary and that Lambert should be available for the trip to Iceland.

But Alex McLeish, the Rangers manager, was less certain over the fitness of his captain Ferguson, after revealing he has been carrying a hip injury.

A Scottish Football Association spokesman admitted there could be more withdrawals. He said: "Everyone is meeting later on tonight and we will see how Barry Ferguson is then. They will be meeting up around 9.30pm and inspections will take place then. Paul Lambert is expected to be there as well."

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