Stephen McManus insisted there was no chance of him following several team-mates in withdrawing from Scotland's squad to face Czech Republic.James McFadden and Alan Hutton were forced to pull out after picking up injuries with Everton and Tottenham respectively, before Rangers duo Steven Whittaker and Kevin Thomson were added to the list of call-offs.

Just when new boss George Burley thought his luck could not get any worse, Kris Boyd and Steven Fletcher also called off after arriving at the team's Cameron House base in Loch Lomond carrying injures.

McManus - who will wear the captain's armband again in the continued absence of Barry Ferguson - was also a concern with a groin strain.

He has since declared himself fit and insists he was desperate for another cap - and another chance to be skipper before Ferguson's return.

"I'm fine," he said. "I've been really fortunate to play a lot of games this year.

"At this time of the season after playing a lot of games you do feel a few niggles.

"That was the case but I always want to play in as many games as I can and it was another chance to captain my country, which is something you dream about as a kid.

"So I was always going to make myself available for selection."

McManus led Celtic to the Clydesdale Bank Premier League championship on the final day of the season and is now looking to sign off the season on a positive note with a win for Scotland.

He added: "Regardless of what happens in the game tomorrow it has been a dramatic season for myself personally.

"But it's not about me tomorrow night or any other individual - it's about collectively as a squad.

"We will be trying to win the game. It's a chance for players to maybe earn their first cap and they are here because they deserve to be here.

"We know it's going to be a very tough game but it's one that we are looking forward to."

Several players could made their international debuts tomorrow night, with close friend David Clarkson a contender after earning his first call-up this week.

And McManus insisted: "When someone drops out it's always a chance for someone else to come in.

"I know myself when I got my first call-up I was really eager to impress and I know the lads will be doing the same and they will be trying to get into the squad for the World Cup. That's great for the nation.

"We have a good squad of players who are playing at a very high level, whether that be in the SPL, the Premiership or the Championship.

"The players are playing in a lot of big games which is very good for the future and is exciting now."

As for the challenge the Czechs are likely to pose, McManus said: "Anyone who is going to the tournament this summer is a very good side.

"We were unfortunate to miss out but, when you are realistic and you look at the teams who went through from our group, they are teams who could go on and win the tournament.

"It will be big challenge but it's a challenge we will enjoy and relish no matter the result."

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