Ferguson blow for Scotland hopes

Scotland's chances of Euro 2004 qualifying success against Germany have been dealt a blow with the news that Barry Ferguson only has a "slight chance" of making the game.

The Rangers midfielder has been struggling for months with a hip muscle problem that has required him to take painkillers in order to play. An operation has now been confirmed for after the Scottish Cup final on 31 May, just seven days before the Germany qualifier on 7 June.

"There is a slight chance I could play for Scotland in that match but I definitely need an operation and it will be sorted out when the season is over," said Ferguson. "I have put myself under a bit of pressure now by playing well with the problem but it has annoyed me for a few months. I'm looking forward to getting things fixed and getting myself 100 per-cent fit for the start of next season."

The Scotland manager Berti Vogts has two friendlies to prepare for the Germany game and has named a squad for the first, a 'B' international with Northern Ireland. His Future Squad selection for the game at Partick on 20 May is a mixture of young and old.

Craig Burley made his international comeback in the recent Hampden Park friendly defeat by Austria. It was his first Scotland game for 18 months but with Ferguson likely to be absent Vogts needs another option in midfield.

Goalkeeper Paul Gallacher, defenders Christian Dailly, Lee Wilkie and Andy Webster, winger Paul Devlin, midfielders Gary Naysmith and Scot Gemmill plus forwards Don Hutchison and James McFadden all faced Austria and have all been included in the Future Squad.

Vogts has made up the numbers by giving opportunities to young hopefuls, with Darren Fletcher of Manchester United the most intriguing. The 19-year-old has hardly played for the Under-21 side but is regarded as a real prospect at his club. Under-21 regulars Derek Soutar, Gary Caldwell, Brian Kerr, Kevin Kyle and Simon Lynch have also been named.

"I have asked mainly the English-based players to take part in this match, which is essential to keep up their level of match fitness, but I also want some Scottish based players to be involved to give them added experience," Vogts said.

The players will stay together for two days after the Northern Ireland match for additional training before Vogts names a squad to play a final friendly against New Zealand at Tynecastle on 27 May.

The Scotland manager says he will also be checking on the progress of other Scottish players, in particular those from Celtic and Rangers who have cup finals to play, plus those involved in the English play-offs.

SCOTLAND FUTURE SQUAD (v Northern Ireland, Firhill, 20 May): Arthur (Partick Thistle), Gallacher (Dundee Utd), Soutar (Dundee), Alexander (Preston North End), Anderson (Aberdeen), G Caldwell (Newcastle Utd), S Caldwell (Newcastle Utd), Dailly (West Ham Utd), Webster (Heart of Midlothian), Wilkie (Dundee), Burley (Derby County), Devlin (Birmingham City), Fletcher (Manchester Utd), Gemmill (Everton), Kerr (Newcastle Utd), Naysmith (Everton), Noble (West Ham Utd), Gray (Bradford City), Hutchison (West Ham Utd), Kyle (Sunderland), Lynch (Preston NE), McFadden (Motherwell).