October 4 2001

Dougie Freedman

Eagles striker Dougie Freedman is set to make his debut for the Scottish national side against Latvia on Saturday.

Craig Brown hasn't yet made a final decision on his team, but he but confirmed Freedman was sure to play at least some part.

FC Twente Enschede striker Scott Booth, who is a regular first choice for the Scots, limped out of training yesterday and is a major doubt for Saturday's game against Latvia.

Brown said: "Booth had a strain yesterday and trained on his own today but will join us tomorrow so we will have to wait until tomorrow to confirm Booth's fitness.

"Freedman is second top scorer in the Nationwide. He is a proven scorer and that's what we need in front of goal.

"We hope to create chances so Doug Freedman is very much in the frame. Scott Booth too is scoring in Holland at a higher level, arguably, so we have got a couple of good strikers.

"I think it is fair to say that Freedman will appear at least at some point, maybe from the start."

The Scots must beat Latvia, with Palace players ALEX KOLINKO and Andrejs Rubins, by a wide margin on Saturday and hope that Belgium have also triumphed in Croatia if they are to reach the World Cup play-offs.

Freedman's strike partner Clinton Morrison could start for the Republic of Ireland alongside Niall Quinn.

The Irish take on Cyprus on Saturday and are looking to secure at least a play off place for the 2002 World Cup.