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| | Tuesday, 20 August, 2002, 19:11 GMT 20:11 UK Hutch and Fergie boost Scots  Good news boys: Barry Ferguson and Don Hutchison Scotland boss Berti Vogts has received a double midfield boost ahead of Wednesday's friendly with Denmark at Hampden Park. Vogts now believes that long-time injured Don Hutchison will miss no more than two Euro 2004 qualifiers. And Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has hit out at those who have questioned his commitment to the Scotland cause. Hutchison was expected to be out of first-team action until 2003 after suffering a serious knee injury in February playing for his club, West Ham United.
Hutchison is still expected to be out of competitive action for the October qualifier in Iceland, which is to be followed later that month by an Edinburgh friendly with Canada. Vogts is keen to arrange another challenge match before the end of the year - and hopes Hutchison will be playing. "His preparations have only just begun and at the moment are only running-based, so he can't play against the Faroes," said the Scotland boss. "But I hope maybe he can play in a friendly in November, I hope very much for that." The 24-year-old Ferguson is set to win only his 11th cap for his country against Denmark. Cynics have noted the regularity with which he has pulled out of international squads through injury, making a recovery in time for his next club match. But he insisted: "I was desperate to get back in. "I got a wee knock on Sunday, which was a bit worrying, but I'm happy to be here.
Ferguson is set to play alongside captain Paul Lambert for only the second time. "The only time we've played was over in Ireland, so I'm looking forward to it," he said. "I thought we did quite well together. Obviously I would have liked to have played more so hopefully in the next year or two we can get more games." Vogts has made it clear he wants to build his team around him so he can inherit the captain's armband once Celtic's Lambert finally retires. The German said: "He is one of the best midfielders and I have to look at him tomorrow night during the game, especially as it is against a strong Danish team that has a lot of personality in the midfield. "He is an excellent international player, but he needs more games for Scotland." | |
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