KRIS Boyd is set to be axed by Scotland for next month's Euro 2012 double-header with the Czech Republic and Spain.

KRIS Boyd is set to be axed by Scotland for next month's Euro 2012 double-header with the Czech Republic and Spain.

Craig Levein will name his squad on Thursday and the striker's lack of top-team action at Middlesbrough is likely to cost him an international place.

MailSport understands Boyd is extremely disappointed but if his omission is confirmed later in the week the 27-year-old will put it behind him to 
concentrate on finding form at club level.

Levein knows both qualifiers will be backs-to-the-wall jobs and will opt for a more defensive formation with a lone central striker.

Boyd quit Scotland two years ago when George Burley was manager but returned to the fold under Levein. The former Rangers star started last month's 2-1 win at home to Liechtenstein but was subbed during the second half as the Scots struggled to break through.

Levein will name four strikers in his squad with Kenny Miler and Steven Fletcher joined by two other frontmen.

Gary Caldwell could also make a shock return to the squad if he comes through a reserve game for Wigan on Tuesday.

The former Celtic defender has yet to play for the Latics this season after summer surgery on both of his hip joints.

The 28-year-old only came off crutches at the start of this month but Caldwell has been working hard on building up his fitness.

He played a closed-door game last week and expects to get 90 minutes for the reserves at West Ham on Tuesday.

Levein would welcome a fit Caldwell back as he is short of players at centre-back.

The Wigan star can also play as a defensive midfielder and that could be important, with Lee McCulloch suspended for the Czech clash and Paul Hartley 
missing both games due to injury.

Former Scotland skipper Barry Ferguson could also fill that role but has yet to decide if he will return to the fold after his banishment over the Boozegate scandal.

The Birmingham ace, 32, will tell Levein tomorrow if he will be available for selection.

The Scotland boss is also considering handing a surprise call-up to QPR's Jamie Mackie.

The English striker qualifies for Levein's side thanks to a grandad who came from Kilmarnock.

And the 24-year-old has caught the eye after bagging eight goals in QPR's stunning start to the Championship campaign.

Levein said: "We have been aware of Jamie for some time and have monitored his progress.

"He has enjoyed a tremendous start to the season and is a striker in form. That is a significant factor in us taking a closer look."