West Ham United's Don Hutchison is likely to take his place up front for Scotland for the first time in over a year in tomorrow's international with Ireland.

Manager Berti Vogts said yesterday that Hutchison was in line to partner Dunfermline Athletic striker Steve Crawford as the German attempts to record his first win at Scotland's national stadium.

"He (Hutchison) has been working on his fitness today and maybe I will start with him and Steve," Vogts said.

The attacking midfielder suffered a serious knee injury last February and Vogts is happy to have him involved again with next month's Euro 2004 qualifier against Iceland looming.

Scotland have four points from their opening two games in qualifying Group Five, two behind leaders Germany.

The group also includes Lithuania and the Faroe Islands.

Hutchison's West Ham team-mate Christian Dailly is also likely to start alongside fellow England-based players Gary Naysmith of Everton and Preston North End's Graham Alexander.

Hearts captain Steven Pressley and Aberdeen's Russell Anderson should also be involved in defence, while Vogts will choose between Rangers winger Neil McCann and Birmingham City's Paul Devlin.

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Neil Sullivan and Dundee United's Paul Gallacher will get one half each.

"After two and a half months the players are happy to be back together and speak together. There is a very good atmosphere in the group," said Vogts, who is without the injured Rangers player Maurice Ross.

"We are not only looking for a good performance, but I want my first win at Hampden."