Sullivan set to take over

Neil Sullivan will win his fourth cap for Scotland as he begins the job of establishing himself as successor to the retired Jim…

Neil Sullivan will win his fourth cap for Scotland as he begins the job of establishing himself as successor to the retired Jim Leighton against Faroe Islands at Pittodrie tonight.

The Wimbledon goalkeeper's three previous appearances have all been made in friendlies, against Wales, France and Colombia, each as understudy to Leighton.

Leighton's abrupt departure allows Sullivan the chance of a substantial set of caps, although, at 28, he is unlikely to approach the 91 amassed by his predecessor.

The Sutton-born goalkeeper has edged out another English native, Jonathan Gould, and then gave the credit to his rival's father, Bobby. As manager of Wimbledon Gould senior had promoted Sullivan, who had been deputy to Hans Segers. "I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for Bobby," said Sullivan.

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Sullivan will anticipate a gentle 90 minutes. The Faroes have failed to score a goal in their last four matches.

The expected overhaul of the Scotland team who were fortunate to beat Estonia 3-2 last Saturday will include the return to midfield of Celtic's Craig Burley from suspension and a new pairing up front.

Simon Donnelly of Celtic and Dundee United's Billy Dodds, who scored twice against Estonia, will replace the injured Kevin Gallacher and the off-colour Ally McCoist.

Scotland (probable) - Sullivan (Wimbledon); Elliott (Leicester), Hendry (Rangers), Boyd (Celtic); McKinlay (Blackburn), Burley (Celtic), Glass (Newcastle), Davidson (Blackburn); Johnston (Sunderland), Donnelly (Celtic), Dodds (Dundee Utd).