Marshall makes the Scotland squad

Just when you thought everything was doom and gloom, David Marshall was included in the Scotland squad for the match against Croatia next Wednesday.

The 23-year old keeper has been in excellent form this season, and fully deserves his chance to show George Burley what he can do.
Full Scotland squad:

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Sunderland), David Marshall (Norwich City), Allan McGregor (Rangers).

Defenders: Graham Alexander (Burnley), Russell Anderson (Sunderland), Christophe Berra (Heart of Midlothian), Gary Caldwell (Celtic), Christian Dailly (Rangers), Alan Hutton (Tottenham Hotspur), James McEveley (Derby County), Stephen McManus (Celtic), Gary Naysmith (Sheffield United).

Midfielders: Scott Brown (Celtic), Barry Ferguson (Rangers), Darren Fletcher (Manchester United), Paul Hartley (Celtic), Lee McCulloch (Rangers), Stephen Pearson (Derby County), Barry Robson (Celtic), Gary Teale (Derby County).

Forwards: Kris Boyd (Rangers), Steven Fletcher (Hibernian), James McFadden (Birmingham City), Shaun Maloney (Aston Villa), Kenny Miller (Derby County), Garry O’Connor (Birmingham City).

What we have learned this weekend – 15th/16th March 08

In all the excitement this week I almost forgot to do this, so it’s a little late…

A tense relegation battle awaits. It doesn’t matter how we try and pretty-it-up, we’re in a dogfight now. I think it’s a battle we’ll win, but surely there isn’t anyone left who believes, categorically that we are safe. Is there?

You shouldn’t drink and drive. Should go without saying, but for some it would appear not to be as obvious as for others.

The Premier League is a 3-horse race again. Looks like Chelsea are back in the title picture again.

We will not be getting promoted this season. Just in case there is anyone left who is in any doubt.

Matty Prat-ison

City midfielder Matty Pattison has been charged with drink-driving.

Chief Executive Neil Doncaster said in a statement:

We understand that Matthew Pattison was arrested this morning and has been charged with a drink-driving offence. We will be investigating what has happened and co-operating fully with Norfolk Constabulary. When we have more facts at our disposal we will be in a position to comment further.

I’d have a slightly more subtle statement, which is probably why I’ll never be Norwich City Football Club Chief Executive:

Matty if this is true then you are a complete muppet. What the hell were you thinking?

When he joined the club permanently back in January, Pattison described the decision as the easiest he has ever made. Seeminglythe decision not to drive when over the limit proved a little more taxing.