news: Rhodes handed Scotland start

Published: 14 Aug 2012 - 14:17:14

Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes will start for Scotland in Wednesday's friendly against Australia at Easter Road.

Manager Craig Levein confirmed the 22-year-old would come in after QPR forward Jamie Mackie pulled out on top of the absence of Craig Mackail-Smith and Kenny Miller.

"I had it in mind that Jamie Mackie would play but he has a calf strain, so Jordan will play," Levein said.

Rhodes, whose only Scotland cap so far came as a late substitute against Cyprus in November, scored 40 goals for his club last season and eight goals for the Scotland Under-21s.

Levein added: "You look at his goalscoring record, it's a tough one to beat, 40-odd goals.

"He is someone who has played that position for the under-21s.

"We have a policy of promoting players who have done well for the under-21 team.

"So it's a no-brainer, he will start the match."

Levein also stated that Blackpool goalkeeper Matt Gilks would make his debut at some stage.