Fox has impressed at left-back since joining Celtic

Celtic left-back Danny Fox has been selected for Scotland's friendly in Japan on 10 October.

The Cheshire-born player has represented England at Under-21 level but is eligible to make the switch through his Scottish grandfather.

Robert Snodgrass of Leeds is given his first call up, while Preston's Ross Wallace is back in the fold.

Hibernian's Derek Riordan and Charlie Adam of Blackpool are also included in manager George Burley's squad.

Fox, 23, joined Celtic from Coventry City in July and he has been first choice for the Glasgow club at left-back since.

"We had to get everything tied up and make sure the bloodline was there and that he qualifies for Scotland," said Burley.

"That's all sorted now. Danny is an exciting talent and has shown playing for Celtic, and in Europe, that he is a top-class full-back."

Snodgrass has helped Leeds get to the top of League One and he is joined in the pool by former Livingston team-mate Graham Dorrans, now at West Brom.

Riordan won his only cap more than four years ago but has made a fine start to the season with Hibs, scoring five goals, despite two penalty misses.

"Derek has got phenomenal talent and maybe hasn't made the most of that over the years," added Burley. "This season he has been more of a team player.

"He has got to realise you don't get into the national squad just by scoring a few goals - you need to be a team player.

"Derek deserves his opportunity for what he has done this season. Hopefully the penny has dropped that he has to utilise that ability."

Adam featured twice as a substitute for Scotland in 2007 while playing for Rangers and is enjoying a new lease of life at Blackpool.

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The 23-year-old completed his move to the Seasiders in the summer after impressing on loan last season and has scored four goals from midfield this term.

Rangers' Kevin Thomson returns after missing a large chunk of last season through injury and joins Wallace, formerly of Celtic and Sunderland, among Burley's midfield options.

Wallace, who can also operate at left-back, has only been capped at B level before.

Celtic's Scott Brown is included despite his club hinting that they would like him to rest a nagging ankle injury, picked up on international duty.

However, Burley said he had discussed the matter with Celtic counterpart Tony Mowbray.

"We had a chat about it," revealed Burley. "Scott has a little problem but he has been playing and training every week.They are happy to have him in the squad and there is no problem at all."

Forwards James McFadden, Kenny Miller and Chris Iwelumo are spared the long trip as they are all coming back from injuries, while elder statesmen David Weir, Graham Alexander and Paul Hartley are rested.

Kilmarnock's Kevin Kyle is overlooked, having been called up for the recent double-header against Macedonia and Holland then withdrawing to have minor knee surgery.

Former Dundee United stalwart Paul Hegarty was also confirmed as the latest addition to the Scotland coaching set up.

"When George phoned it took me one second to accept," said the former Livingston manager. "It was a bolt out of the blue and I accepted immediately.

"To play for your country is the best but to be part of the coaching team is just as exciting. I was absolutely delighted with the offer."

The Scots last faced Japan in 2006 when they won the Kirin Cup under Walter Smith following a goalless draw.

The sides have only ever met twice, with the previous friendly encounter also ending 0-0 in 1995.

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Sunderland), Jamie Langfield (Aberdeen), David Marshall (Cardiff City)
Defenders: Darren Barr (Falkirk), Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Gary Caldwell (Celtic), Daniel Fox (Celtic), Alan Hutton (Tottenham Hotspur), Stephen McManus (Celtic), Steven Whittaker (Rangers)
Midfielders: Charles Adam (Blackpool), Scott Brown (Celtic), Graham Dorrans (West Bromwich Albion), Darren Fletcher (Manchester United), Shaun Maloney (Celtic), Robert Snodgrass (Leeds United), Kevin Thomson (Rangers), Ross Wallace (Preston North End)
Forwards: Steven Fletcher (Burnley), Steven Naismith (Rangers), Garry O'Connor (Birmingham City), Derek Riordan (Hibernian)

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