Goram at the ready

Andy Goram, who pulled out of Scotland's last match pleading psychological unreadiness, has been restored to the squad for the visit of Finland to Hampden Park a week tonight, when victory would virtually seal qualification for next year's European Championship finals in England.

Coming from Scotland's first-choice goalkeeper, Goram's claim that he was not "mentally attuned" to face Greece this month was a bitter blow to the national manager, Craig Brown. Goram was desperate to avoid an injury that would prevent his playing in the European Cup a week later, but Brown is neither vindictive nor so well off for proven international performers that he could ignore his availability.

Assurances were received from both the Bury-born Goram and Rangers' manager, Walter Smith, that he was fit and keen to play. Brown, however, has warned that no one is guaranteed a place. Jim Leighton, now 37 but approaching the form that once persuaded Manchester United to pay Aberdeen pounds 750,000 for him, made two stunning saves to deny the Greeks before Scotland's winner and could consider himself hard done by if left out.

Brown said he was convinced Goram is "committed to the cause", adding that he would consult Scotland's specialist coach, the former England keeper, Alan Hodgkinson, before making a decision. Given that his team have conceded only three goals in eight Group Eight fixtures, he may have more pressing selection problems.

The pool of 22 contains no surprises. They will doubtless be sprung when, in keeping with Scotland's lot of late, Brown has to cover for late withdrawals. Tosh McKinlay, the Celtic full-back called in for an accomplished debut at the eleventh hour last time, is retained.

Finland, who come to Glasgow on the back of a 6-0 home defeat by Russia, must win to have any chance of qualifying. Bolton's Mixu Patalainen, may be joined up front by Jukka Ikalainen, who impressed Brown for MyPa against Motherwell recently. Their one world-class talent, Jari Litmanen, returns after missing the rout by Russia.

"If we won, I wouldn't be so cautious about our prospects," Brown said. "Greece then would require a better result in Russia than we managed at home to San Marino in order to stop us."

SCOTLAND SQUAD (European Championship Group Eight against Finland, at Hampden on 6 September): Leighton (Hibernian), Goram (Rangers), Walker (Partick); Boyd (Celtic), Burley (Chelsea), Calderwood (Tottenham), Hendry (Blackburn), McKimmie (Aberdeen), T McKinlay (Celtic), McKinnon (Motherwell), McLaren (Rangers); Collins (Celtic), McAllister (Leeds), McCall (Rangers), W McKinlay (Dundee Utd), Martin (Motherwell), Robertson (Hearts); Booth (Aberdeen), Jackson (Hibernian), McCoist (Rangers), Shearer (Aberdeen), Spencer (Chelsea).