91Èȱ¬

Craig Levein has backed David Goodwillie to handle the pressure of making his first international start against Lithuania on Tuesday.

Goodwillie will win his second cap in the Euro 2012 qualifier with Levein's striking options limited.

Kenny Miller is out through suspension, while a back injury has ruled out Craig Mackail-Smith.

"What an opportunity for a young lad to get a chance to play in a game of this magnitude," the Scotland manager said.

"Technically he has the ability and also knowing him personally he won't be fazed by the size of this game.

"I put David Goodwillie in the squad for a reason - that's because I feel he's capable of playing international football.

"David would sit third in the pecking order and what a great opportunity for him.

"If I'm David Goodwillie it's an exciting time for me."

The 22-year-old Blackburn player is the only eligible forward remaining in the squad and has played just 14 minutes of international football previously, as a substitute in a friendly win over the Faroe Islands last year.

Scott Brown is suspended and fellow midfielder Charlie Adam has returned to Liverpool after coming off during due to a hip flexor problem, but Levein has Steven Whittaker available again after suspension and Grant Hanley back following a bout of tonsilitis.

Rangers full-back Whittaker may well be needed with both Alan Hutton and Phil Bardsley doubtful for the game.

Left-back Bardsley was substituted just before the Czechs netted their first equaliser and Hutton was suffering after his first competitive game since March.

Levein, who will delay naming his team until Tuesday, said: "The other two who are a little bit doubtful are Phil Bardsley, who came off on Saturday with a dead leg, and Alan Hutton has a tight groin but I think he will be okay."

Despite the call-offs, the Scotland manager has chosen not to call up any replacements.

"I thought about it but I put 25 players in the squad," he said. "We have lost a few but I still feel we have lots of options so I'm comfortable."

Midfielder Scott Brown will also miss the must-win match through suspension.