Scotland manager George Burley has been forced to eat a large slice of humble pie after recalling Rangers skipper David Weir to the Scotland squad for the FYR Macedonia and Holland clash.

The 39-year-old was controversially axed from the Scotland squad for the 4-0 spanking in Norway earlier this month after former Ipswich boss Burley declared it was time to turn to youth.

But with injuries and suspensions hitting Scotland – most notably to Gary Caldwell who received first-half marching orders in Oslo – former Everton defender Weir has been recalled.

Burley’s men are currently third in World Cup qualifying group nine and need to win the Macedonia and Holland clashes to stand any chance of progressing.

Kevin Kyle is also a surprise inclusion in the squad having not played international football for over five years.

The 28-year-old has been a revelation since joining Kilmarnock in January and left Burley with little option.

Also returning is Scotland skipper Stephen McManus despite the Celtic defender not having pulled on a green and white shirt since last season due to a knee injury.

First-choice goalkeeper Craig Gordon also returns, having recovered from a lengthy injury lay-off.

Scotland squad for the World Cup qualifiers against FYR Macedonia (September 5) and Holland (September 9) at Hampden Park:

Gordon (Sunderland) N Alexander (Rangers) Marshall (Cardiff) Barr (Falkirk) McManus (Celtic) Berra (Wolves) G Caldwell (Celtic) S Caldwell (Burnley) Davidson (Preston) Hutton (Tottenham) McAllister (Bristol City) Whittaker (Rangers) Weir (Rangers) G Alexander (Burnley) Brown (Celtic) Commons (Derby) D Fletcher (Manchester United) Hartley (Bristol City) McFadden (Birmingham) Maloney (Celtic) Clarkson (Bristol City) S Fletcher (Burnley) Kyle (Kilmarnock) Miller (Rangers) Naismith (Rangers)