Vogts shuffles Scotland pack

Berti Vogts, the Scotland manager, has granted several players a leave of absence for club games before the friendly against New Zealand on 27 May.

Vogts has named his squad for the friendly at Tynecastle and the Euro 2004 qualifier against Germany on 7 June, but will only call upon the likes of Rangers' Barry Ferguson and Wolves' Kenny Miller when they have completed their club seasons.

Ferguson will be preparing for Rangers' Scottish Cup final against Dundee on 31 May. Meanwhile, Miller, his club team-mate Colin Cameron and the Cardiff City goalkeeper Neil Alexander are all involved in the Nationwide League play-off finals this weekend.

Vogts has drafted in Brian Kerr, of Newcastle, and Motherwell's James McFadden for the friendly against the Kiwis and they will return to the Under-21 team for the Germany game on 6 June.

He believes that McFadden is not experienced enough to start the vital game with Germany, though the striker could receive a late call-up because of injuries. Vogts said: "I pick the players for the national team and it is my decision only.

"I picked James for Scotland's last game against Austria but at the moment there are better players for this game. He will stay in the Under-21 squad instead."

There is also a recall for the Celtic midfielder Jackie McNamara, who was disappointed at his omission from the squad to face Austria last month.