Kilmarnock boss Jim Jefferies raised eyebrows at Kevin Kyle's failure to make George Burley's Scotland squad for the forthcoming friendly against Japan. The Killie skipper was called up for the first time in five years for the recent World Cup games but had to withdraw due to a knee injury which required minor surgery.

"I'm surprised and I think Kevin is a bit surprised because he was in the last squad and only had to pull out for knee surgery," Jefferies said. "I don't pick the team but we thought he might have a decent chance. But he just has to keep banging away and scoring the goals. That's how he was noticed the last time and if he keeps doing that then maybe he will have a chance by the time the next game comes around.

"They could come back for him if there are call-offs, I don't know if he is on any reserve list but it won't affect him, he will take it in his stride. He saw getting in to the Scotland squad as a bonus so it won't affect him. It will make him more determined to prove that he could still do it."