Ferguson 'desperate' for comeback

(PA)

And in other news from Glasgow, Scotland as well as Diego Maradona and Argentina will also be involved in this evening's friendly at Hampden, and will welcome the return to their starting line-up of Rangers' Barry Ferguson, captain of his club and country but not seen in a national jersey for a year because of injury.

Ferguson's last game for Scotland before recurrent ankle problems disrupted his international career was the Euro 2008 qualifying defeat to Italy 12 months ago, in which he scored. He has yet to be involved in the national team under George Burley, but has recently returned to action with Rangers and Burley has confirmed he will start.

"He's back from a long-term injury and he has played two 90 minutes for Rangers," said Burley. "It's good to have him back, and we are pleased he is fit again. But we will see how it goes."

Ferguson said: "It's a game that everyone in the squad is desperate to play in. Argentina are one of the best teams about and have some fantastic players. When I found out we were going to be playing them, it was one of the games I was desperate to get back and get involved in – and thankfully my rehab has gone well."

Burley will be without at least three other players almost certain to have been given starting berths if fit: goalkeeper Craig Gordon, midfielder Darren Fletcher and striker Kenny Miller. Rangers' Allan McGregor will deputise in goal. Tottenham's Allan Hutton should win his first cap under Burley, returning at right-back after an extended absence through injury. Burley's key decision will be in attack, deciding whether to start with Wolves' Chris Iwelumo in a two-man pairing, or with Birmingham's James McFadden alone.

Scotland (4-1-4-1 possible): McGregor (Rangers); Hutton (Tottenham), Caldwell, McManus (both Celtic), Naysmith (Sheff Utd); Brown (Celtic); Hartley (Celtic), Ferguson (Rangers), Robson, Maloney (both Celtic); McFadden (Birmingham).