Gallacher up for Scotland challenge

St Mirren keeper Paul Gallacher is not too downhearted about his Scotland prospects despite the possible return of Allan McGregor to the fold.

Gallacher: Level-headed
Gallacher: Level-headed

The former Dundee United and Norwich player was drafted into the squad for the friendly against Wales in Cardiff last week, after winning the last of his eight caps in a 1-0 win in Estonia in May 2004.

George Burley sent for Gallacher after number one Craig Gordon pulled out with a fractured arm but David Marshall played in the 3-0 defeat with Jamie Langfield on the bench.

After Burley was sacked on Monday, SFA chief executive Gordon Smith revealed that his replacement would be free to pick Rangers keeper McGregor, who, along with Barry Ferguson, was banned from representing Scotland after flicking V-signs at photographers during April's World Cup qualifier against Iceland.

Gallacher, 30, accepts that the goalkeeping position is one in which Scotland is particularly strong at the moment.

"I think there are three friendlies before the next championship qualifiers kick-off," he said.

"When a new man comes in and if I'm playing well and I get in then, I will be absolutely delighted.

"But at the moment there are three goalkeepers ahead of me.

"It was because Craig Gordon got injured that I got back in the squad but nevertheless I was back in and it was something that I didn't think would happen again.

"If you look at Craig, the performances he has put in for Scotland are second to none.

"Nobody can say that he doesn't deserve to be the number one, he has been fantastic and the Tartan Army adore him and rightly so.

"Of course it would be tougher for me if Allan came back," Gallacher continued.

"He has been fantastic, he has probably been Rangers' most consistent player this season.

"So the goalkeeping department looks fairly healthy at the moment.

"So if I'm lucky enough to get back in the squad I will be delighted.

"If not then the goalkeeping department is in great hands - excuse the pun."

Gallacher is looking forward to the visit of Hibernian to St Mirren Park where, if the home side win and Aberdeen lose at Motherwell, Gus MacPherson's side will ease in to sixth spot in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

He said: "It will be a tough game.

"Hibs are playing some great football, they have great strikers and score fantastic goals.

"But we are looking forward to it and hopefully we can get in the top six and hopefully stay there."

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