CELTIC'S Scott Brown will go under the knife as soon as the season finishes, ruling him out Scotland's friendly in the Czech Republic on Friday, May 30.

Rangers skipper Barry Ferguson and veteran defender Davie Weir have also been omitted from the 23-man squad named today by national team boss George Burley.

Ferguson's on-going ankle problems and heavy schedule in the run-in convinced Burley it would be a bridge too far to ask him to take part in in Prague, while the number of games played by 37-year-old Weir was the reason cited for his absence.

Burley is aware this game comes at a time when most players want to swap flip-flops for boots, but is adamant it is an important part of Scotland's preparation for the World Cup campaign which begins in the Autumn.

He has attempted to inject youth into his squad to counteract any lethargy, with the prospect of five players winning their first caps.

Motherwell's Ross McCormack is named in the full squad for the first time after some excellent showings for the Under-21 side.

Rangers pair Steven Whittaker and Kevin Thomson could also make their debuts, along with West Brom midfielder James Morrison and Hearts defender Christophe Berra.

Burley said: "Scott is having a small operation at the end of the season, and Barry has been struggling with his ankle for six months.

"I've got a youthful squad. There are five uncapped players and 16 players 25 and under.

"I think it's a squad progressing in their careers. They are still improving and we are looking forward to the next couple of years."

Despite having sympathy for Rangers' heavy schedule, Burley has included Kris Boyd and Christian Dailly along with Whittaker and Thomson.

He said: "It's not realistic to ask players to play seven games in such a short space of time. It's something that should not be allowed to happen, and it's something the SPL and everyone else have got to look at.

"Are we playing too many games? Other aspects have to be looked at . It shouldn't happen to any club and they are being punished for reaching the Scottish Cup Final as well.