McFadden in race to face France

Scotland forward James McFadden is in danger of missing the early Group B leaders' home game against France next month as he is sidelined for up to four weeks with a hamstring injury.

Strong start
The 23-year-old Everton FC player was injured during Scotland's 2-1 win in Lithuania last week which followed a 6-0 victory over the Faroe Islands. These results have left Walter Smith's side in pole position ahead of France's visit to Glasgow on 7 October. But McFadden, who has scored nine goals in 29 internationals, may be forced to sit out the match according to Everton physio Mick Rathbone. "The injury happened eight days ago. There is a small tear so he is going to be out for up to a month," Rathbone said.