Following failure to qualify for the Euro 2004 Championships in Portugal next year, Vogts has started preparation for the World Cup 2006 by examining Scotland’s youth players, and Gallagher is clearly a substantial part of the coach’s plans.
The Scotland boss flies to Frankfurt later this week for the World Cup Qualifying draw and announced his thoughts on his selection as he unveiled his squad.
“This match marks the first stage of our World Cup campaign, as it gives these players a chance to show what they can do. Our young players need international football experience, and for those players not involved in the Champions League or UEFA Cup, this is a great opportunity to get that experience.”
Other senior Scotland players have been left out of the friendly to give the young team a chance, including Gally’s Rovers compatriot and Scotland captain Barry Ferguson.
However this selection will be a timely boost for the national team, especially considering the recent criticism of Scottish Giants Rangers and Celtic for their favour to choose foreign players over home grown talent.