Berra returns to Scotland fold after birth of his daughter

Chief football writer

Thursday 6 September 2012

SCOTLAND's defensive woes eased last night when Christophe Berra confirmed he would be available for the opening World Cup qualifier against Serbia after his partner gave birth to a baby girl.

Christophe Berra will be available for the Serbia game

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Michael Grant

Craig Levein had feared losing the Wolverhampton Wanderers defender for Saturday's game at Hampden, especially given that Phil Bardsley, Steven Whittaker, Danny Fox and Russell Martin were out and a doubt remains over Charlie Mulgrew.

Berra would also have had to withdraw if his partner had gone into labour on the day of the game but she delivered yesterday. "Christophe is a very important player for us and it will be good to have him available for Saturday," said Levein. "He has been training at his club this week so there are no issues with him fitness-wise and I am sure he will come up on a high. We are delighted with the news and send our congratulations to Christophe and his family. We look forward to him joining up tomorrow." Levein had earlier hinted he may call up another defender. "We've run into a problem with losing Danny Fox and Russell Martin, although they might be okay for Tuesday," he said on Talksport. "The problem with left-sided defenders meant bringing in Paul Dixon from Huddersfield and I'm mulling over bringing in someone else."In contrast, Levein spoke of his good fortune at the number of high-quality attacking options at his disposal. "We're quite lucky. For a while it looked as if we were going to struggle in forward areas. Kenny Miller has always been excellent for Scotland and he's got experience, international experience, and it's great to have him on board."But Jordan Rhodes has appeared on the scene, he gets a big move to Blackburn, we've got Ross McCormack banging in goals, Jamie Mackie is another one playing regularly in the Premiership; we're starting to look a bit better in that area. Steven Naismith can play up the middle, too. We're very lucky in those attacking areas."Robert Snodgrass is at the top of his game, young James Forrest at Celtic, Shaun Maloney, James Morrison, Matt Philips – we're really strong in attacking midfield, wide and up top. Charlie Adam, I forgot to mention! I love what he's done."He reiterated that Sunderland's new £14m striker, Steven Fletcher had made "no attempt to get back into the squad" since notifying the SFA he did not wish to be selected. "I'm disappointed because he's a good player. But I think what's important to me is I pick lads who want to play."

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Berra returns to Scotland fold after birth of his daughter

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