Robson's impressive club form has led to a call-up for Scotland

But Kilmarnock's Steven Naismith and Rangers' Charlie Adam have been left out as the build-up to September's Euro 2008 qualifiers begins.

McLeish revealed that the transfer speculation surrounding Naismith was one of the reasons for his omission.

"We want to win this game but I have rested some senior players," he said.

News conference: Scotland manager Alex McLeish

The Scots take on South Africa on 22 August, before facing Lithuania and France in group B next month.

West Brom midfielder James Morrison has committed his future to Scotland, but has not been included as he is yet to receive clearance to play for the national side.

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"I have got some of the senior guys on a stand-by list should we have any problems," McLeish added.

"It's a chance for us to look at another midfield while at the same time bearing in mind that victory is still very important for us."

McLeish also said victory against Lithuania at Hampden on 8 September would be an enormous boost to their hopes for qualification.

Scotland squad:

Goalkeepers: Neil Alexander (Ipswich Town), Craig Gordon (Sunderland), David Marshall (Norwich City), Allan McGregor (Rangers)
Defenders: Graham Alexander (Preston North End), Russell Anderson (Sunderland) Gary Caldwell (Celtic), Alan Hutton (Rangers), Jay McEveley (Derby County), Stephen McManus (Celtic), Steven Pressley (Celtic)
Midfielders: Scott Brown (Celtic), Darren Fletcher (Manchester United), Stephen Pearson (Derby County), Barry Robson (Dundee United) Gary Teale (Derby County)
Forwards: Craig Beattie (West Bromwich Albion), Kris Boyd (Rangers), James McFadden (Everton), Shaun Maloney (Aston Villa) Kenny Miller (Celtic), Garry O'Connor (Birmingham City)