Craig Levein has said that he has still not given up hope of seeing Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll in a Scotland jersey. The national team boss has previously been rebuffed in his attempts to persuade Carroll to turn out for Scotland.
The striker, who has already scored seven times in the Premier League this season has been capped by England at Under-21 level but is eligible to play for Scotland through his grandmother. Carroll’s barnstorming start to the season has seen him touted as a possible call-up for the full England squad.
Levein and Scotland scout Michael Oliver have watched on a number of occasions. Carroll has already stated his wish to play for England over Scotland but, should Fabio Capello overlook the player in his next England squad, Levein says he is ready to act.
“If he’s not involved in this England squad then…yes,” the manager said.
“I spoke to his agent last week and we’ll see. The lad, I think, in all likelihood will be involved in the England squad.”I
Following Newcastle’s defeat against Blackburn on Wednesday night, Carrol said he was still in the dark regarding Capello’s plans.
"As far as England is concerned, we've just got to see what happens,” he said. “
Nobody from the FA has been in touch with me and I won't find out until everybody else on Saturday. We've just got to see what happens. I'm scoring goals, and doing the best I can do at the minute."
Levein has already enjoyed success in tempting players from south of the border to commit to the Scotland cause. QPR hitman Jamie Mackie and Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley are both in the squad to face the Faroe islands last week having been called up for the first time this season.