Andy Webster returns to the international scene after Scotland manager Walter Smith named the Wigan defender as his captain for the 'B' international against the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old has not played for the national team since the friendly defeat by Switzerland in March.

Webster fell out of favour with Hearts majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov after negotiations on a new Tynecastle contract with his agent, Charlie Duddy, collapsed earlier this year.

But the former Arbroath player will skipper the B team at Dalymount Park next week after impressing with the Latics following his summer move to the JJB Stadium.

Smith said: "The B international is a useful exercise for players who fall between the recent under-21 squads and the full national squad.

"It gives me an opportunity to bring in the younger players and see what they can do.

"Andy Webster will get much needed match practice, at a time when he is starting to play well for Wigan after his long absence.

"He is the most experienced player in the squad with 22 caps and will captain the team."

Hibernian midfield trio Scott Brown, Kevin Thomson and Michael Stewart have been included, while there are also call-ups for Kilmarnock defender Gordon Greer and Aberdeen striker Lee Miller.

Scotland 'B' squad:M Brown (Inverness Caledonian Thistle), P Gallacher (Norwich), K Broadfoot (St Mirren), G Greer (Kilmarnock), J McEveley (Blackburn Rovers), S Smith (Rangers), A Webster (Wigan), S Whittaker (Hibernian), C Adam (Rangers), S Brown (Hibernian), S Pearson (Celtic), M Stewart (Hibernian), K Thomson (Hibernian), K Boyd (Rangers), C Clark (Aberdeen), S Maloney (Celtic), L Miller (Aberdeen), S Naismith (Kilmarnock).