Blow for Scotland U21s as strike trio set to miss out

Jul 27 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

SCOTLAND Under-21 boss Billy Stark faces losing his three best strikers for the crunch Euro 2009 qualifiers.

Stark's side face Lithuania next month in Marijampole before a double-header against Slovenia and Denmark that will decide their fate.

If they win all three the Scots could seal a play-off spot for the European Championships in Sweden next year.

But Stark will probably have to do without hitmen Steven Naismith, Steven Fletcher and Ross McCormack for the Lithuania tie because George Burley's full squad take on Northern Ireland in a friendly the same night.

Skipper Naismith is out injured, Hibs star Fletcher is likely to play at Hampden while McCormack could also be given the nod by Burley after sealing a summer switch to Cardiff.

Their absence would be a massive blow to Stark but he said: "It's just a factor of this job I have to deal with.

"Those three have been a massive part of this team and almost all our goals came from that department.

"Naisy is out injured, Fletch will probably remain with the full squad and Ross got a call-up by George for the game in Prague recently.

"So it's not out of the question that we won't have any of them.

"I'll speak toGeorge about it before the Northern Ireland game. It's only a friendly but he's trying to finalise a squad for the World Cup qualifiers.

"His team is the most important.We have to help George as much aswe can and he dictates in a situation like that.

"On the plus side it lets strikers like Graham Dorrans, Ross Campbell and Steven Lennon stake a claim."

Stark is refusing to think about qualifying until tricky Lithuania are taken care of on August 20.

He said: "All we can worry about is winning the three games and we must deal with Lithuania first to keep momentum going. It's a great chance for the lads to play at a major finals next year - if we can get there."