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By Kenny MacDonald
GLASGOW, Jan 28 - New Scotland manager Walter
Smith has recalled Everton defender David Weir to the national
set-up three years after he refused to play for his country.
Smith named a 25-man squad for a three-day training camp in
Manchester starting on February 6.
"I just think it is an area of the pitch that we could be
doing with a bit of experience and obviously I know the player
from taking him from Hearts to Everton," Smith told reporters on
Friday.
"I feel his ability and experience would be more than
helpful to us. I made the call and I know after chatting to
David he would be happy to come back."
Weir, 34, was heavily criticised by former Scotland coach
Berti Vogts after his first competitive game in charge, a 2-2
draw in the Faroe Islands in 2002, and decided to quit
international football. He has played 37 times for his country.
Smith has also recalled Leeds United goalkeeper Neil
Sullivan, and midfielder Paul Hartley of Hearts and striker
Derek Riordan of Hibernian were named in the national squad for
the first time.
Unsettled Blackburn Rovers midfielder Barry Ferguson will
continue as Scotland captain.
Sullivan, whose last cap was in 2003, and Celtic's Robert
Douglas were recalled to take the pressure off young keepers
Craig Gordon and David Marshall.
"I feel they will eventually come to the fore as
international goalkeepers, which is why I have kept them in,"
Smith said.