LEE'S ON A CROCK AND ROLL

WIGAN striker Lee McCulloch hopes the injury nightmare that saw him pull out of six Scotland squads last season is finally over as he bids to help the national side reach the Euro 2008 Finals.

The former Motherwell favourite is frustrated by only having seven caps.

But he hopes to boost that tally considerably against Italy, France, Ukraine, Georgia, Lithuania and the Faroes.

McCulloch said: "Last season - my first in the Premiership - was stop start. And it was frustrating to have had so many niggling injuries as well as the knee and double hernia operation.

"They were nothing too serious but enough to keep me out for Wigan and Scotland. I really hope to be free of injury this season.

"I don't want to be pulling out of any more Scotland squads. I missed a few important games last season including at home to Italy. I really wanted to play in that one.

"I feel we can do well in this European section and I want to do my bit to help Walter Smith and the squad.

"We are underdogs but so were Wigan to stay in the Premiership last season and we managed it no problem. Scotland can also defy the odds.

"We have good players so we have to fancy our chances. There's no point in turning up if we think we're going to lose.

"If we can pick up a few points early on we will be confident and might go on to surprise a few people against Italy and France. We will be positive, we must be."

Scotland defender Andy Webster has signed for Wigan and joins McCulloch, who played a part in luring him there, and fellow Scots Gary Teale and Stevie McMillan.

Lee said: "Andy will do well because he's a fantastic player.

"He might need time to settle in because he hasn't been training with Hearts but he'll be able to sort that out in a couple of weeks.

"Paul Jewell asked me in the latter stages of the move about Andy and I told him the truth -that I'd played with him a few times and he would be a brilliant addition to the squad.

"Paul seems to like Scottish players although he joked to Andy he might need to get rid of one or two because we're taking over the place!"

McCulloch has been linked with the Old Firm but has no intention of leaving.

He said: "I'm happy where I am and that's why I've signed a new three-year deal."

Taken from the Sunday Mail