Scotland v South Africa preview

Fletcher to captain Scots

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 22nd August 2007

Scotland Manchester United Fletcher

Fletcher: Will lead Scots

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Scotland will be looking to continue their good run as they take on 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa at Pittodrie, live on Sky Sports 1.

Alex McLeish's side are still very much in contention to qualify for Euro 2008, although they have fallen behind heavy favourites France and Italy in Group B.

Scotland resume their qualifying campaign with games against Lithuania and France next month, and will be determined to boost their confidence with a victory over South Africa.

Barry Ferguson, David Weir, Lee McCulloch, Paul Hartley and Gary Naysmith have all been rested, so Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher will captain the side.

James Morrison will not be able to make his debut due to a hamstring problem, while Allan McGregor has also had to withdraw due to injury.

McLeish has already named his starting XI, and it is an attacking line-up featuring James McFadden, Kenny Miller and Garry O'Connor up front.

Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon will be shielded by a back four of Alan Hutton, Russell Anderson, Stephen McManus and Jay McEveley.

Scott Brown and Gary Caldwell will play alongside Fletcher in midfield.

South Africa looking for upset

South Africa have the World Cup to look forward to on the distant horizon, but their immediate concern will be an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Zambia in Cape Town next month.

Ranked 42 places below Scotland at 64th in the world, South Africa will be hoping to spring a surprise.

Aaron Mokoena is available for coach Carlos Alberto Parreira but Blackburn team-mate Benni McCarthy has not been included in the squad.