MacLean pulled out of Scotland squad

Last updated : 04 December 2003 By Luke Thornhill
The 21-year-old, on loan with the club from Scottish giants Rangers, was included in the squad due to face Turkey at Tannadice next week - but he has been withdrawn from the squad so that he is available for the LDV Vans Trophy game against Bury and the Third Division derby against Hull City.

Iron manager Brian Laws told the club's official website: "It is a big achievement for Steve to be recognised by the Scottish FA as a potential future international.

"However the FA also recognise the importance of our league programme and whilst he is at Scunthorpe United the decision has been made that we can pull him out of the squad and he can continue to play for us against Bury and Hull City.

"I have spoken to the Scottish FA and they are happy with that and Steve MacLean is very happy with that. He wants to keep scoring goals for Scunthorpe United and he is not asking to be relieved.

"He has said he wants to play for Scunthorpe United against Bury and that is great credit to him and fantastic professionalism."

Meanwhile the club have been handed a boost in their attempts to keep their top scorer after his loan period expires in the New Year.

Laws travelled up to Glasgow on Monday to meet with Rangers manager Alex McLeish, and appears to have worked his charm on the Scotsman.

McLeish said: "We are kind of favouring him to stay there (Scunthorpe) until the end of the season.

"Stevie understands. There is still time, we have to see if we will bring someone in or not, that will be the key.

"The benefit he got out of going down to Scunthorpe and playing first-team football regularly is there for everybody to see."