McCormack has been in fine form for Motherwell

Motherwell striker Ross McCormack is one of five uncapped players in George Burley's Scotland squad to face the Czech Republic in Prague on 30 May.

Rangers pair Kevin Thomson and Steven Whittaker, Hearts defender Christophe Berra and West Brom midfielder James Morrison could win their first caps.

But Celtic midfielder Scott Brown has been left out as he requires a small operation at the end of the season.

Captain Barry Ferguson is being rested because of a troublesome ankle injury.

"Barry has been struggling for the last few months with an ankle problem and, because of the amount of games he's played, I thought it was important to allow that to settle down," said Burley.

Rangers team-mates Allan McGregor, Lee McCulloch and veteran David Weir are also not included in the squad for the friendly.

We have 16 players who are 26 and under, so it is a squad who are progressing in their careers Scotland manager George Burley

McGregor and McCulloch are currently out of action through injury.

Burley said of his selection: "I've got a youthful squad, there are five uncapped players and they will get a feel for it.

"We have 16 players who are 26 and under, so it is a squad who are progressing in their careers and who are still improving. We are looking forward to the next few years.

"It's a game at the end of the season and we are looking for young, fresh players with something to prove."

McCormack has impressed as Motherwell chase third place in the Scottish Premier League and a Uefa Cup place.

MY SPORT: DEBATE That is still a pretty strong team considering the players that have called off. Good times alistairmcquat

"Ross has had a good season," said Burley. "He has done well with Billy Stark in the Under-21s.

"I'm a firm believer that, if you do well with the Under-21s, you should get to move up to the senior squad.

"There is no doubt the boy has got ability and I'm delighted to move him up."

Burley will make the latest attempt to confirm Morrison as a Scotland player.

Morrison, who represented England at youth level before changing allegiances, was forced to withdraw from the August friendly against South Africa.

And injury again denied him the chance of a B cap against the Republic of Ireland in November.

Cardiff City pair Kevin McNaughton and Gavin Rae will make the trip to Prague, along with Russell Anderson, who ended the season on loan to Plymouth.

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Gordon (Sunderland), Marshall (Norwich)
Defenders: Anderson (Sunderland), Berra (Hearts), Caldwell (Celtic), Dailly (Rangers), Hutton (Tottenham), McManus (Celtic), McNaughton (Cardiff), Naysmith (Sheff Utd), Whittaker (Rangers)
Midfielders: Fletcher (Man Utd), Hartley (Celtic), Morrison (West Brom), Rae (Cardiff), Robson (Celtic), Thomson (Rangers)
Forwards: Boyd (Rangers), Fletcher (Hibs), McCormack (Motherwell), McFadden (Birmingham), Maloney (Aston Villa), Miller (Derby)