Goal spree convinces Levein to lift Rhodes into senior Scotland squad

HUDDERSFIELD Town striker Jordan Rhodes is set for an international double-header with promotion to the senior Scotland set-up.

Scotland manager Craig Levein has confirmed the Terriers’ forward will be included in his squad for the friendly against Cyprus in Larnaca on November 11, which he names this morning.

But Oldham-born Rhodes, who qualifies for Scotland through the five-year schooling rule, is also likely to feature for Scotland Under-21s when they face Holland in a European Championship qualifier three days later.

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The 21-year-old, son of former Dunfermline goalkeeper Andy Rhodes, scored five goals in the last two games for Billy Stark’s side, a win in Luxembourg and a draw against Austria last month.

The strikes were part of a goalscoring streak that saw Rhodes hit 14 goals in six games before drawing a blank in Huddersfield’s 1-0 win at Yeovil on Saturday.

“His record recently is phenomenal,” said Levein.

“He has improved enormously over the last couple of years and he has some very instinctive finishes.

“He comes alive around the penalty box but his game has improved an awful lot outside the penalty box in this last year or so.

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“He’s a strong lad, he has got an eye for goal. It’s amazing how many of his goals are one-touch finishes, which tells you he’s getting in great positions.

“He will come with us, although I have to mention that (coach) Billy Stark has a really important match on Monday night in Holland in the Under-21 Euros.

“So Jordan will possibly play some time against Cyprus and then will fly to Holland.”

Levein is likely to be without several players who were named in his last squad, for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Spain. Dundee United midfielder Danny Swanson is out with a knee injury while Aston Villa`s Barry Bannan could miss out after being suspended by his club following his arrest on suspicion of drink-driving.