Craig Gordon, the Scotland goalkeeper, is on course to be fit for the World Cup tie against the Netherlands.

The Sunderland No.1 has been out for the last two months with ankle ligament damage, but has now returned to training.

Gordon is desperate to be back in time for the encounter against the Dutch on March 28 in Amsterdam.

Ricky Sbragia, the Sunderland manager, has insisted the £9m keeper is making good progress. He said: "It's good news as far as Craig concerned. He's been involved in light training, although I have to emphasis it is light training. However, Craig's not ready to be involved with the rest of the squad but he seems very happy with the progress he's making."

Terry Butcher last night insisted Celtic's Scott Brown can become the first name on the teamsheet for club and country. The Scotland assistant manager has been stunned by the progress the 23-year-old midfielder has made this season. He said: "Having worked with Scott at international level, I can say for sure he's got what it takes to reach the very top.

"This is a young man who can be the first pick for both club and country. He has a big future in the game.

Meanwhile, Gary Megson, the Bolton Wanderers manager, has conceded defeat in his bid to land James Morrison, the Scotland internationalist.

West Bromwich Albion rejected a £3m offer for the 22-year-old midfielder last week and Megson has admitted that he feels there is now no chance of him landing his top transfer target.

He said: "We made an offer for James Morrison which was turned down. I don't know whether we will go back in for him. The offer was turned down flat."