Last updated on .From the section Scotland

Brighton-born Norwich City right-back Russell Martin is a surprise inclusion in Craig Levein's Scotland squad for forthcoming Carling Nations Cup games.

And Celtic winger James Forrest also earns his first call-up ahead of the matches against Wales and Republic of Ireland on 25 and 29 May.

Leeds United striker Ross McCormack and fit-again Blackpool goalkeeper Matt Gilks have been recalled.

But Wolves striker Steven Fletcher's international exile continues.

That is despite the former Hibernian man's five goals in as many games having helped his side out of the relegation places in England's top flight.

Fletcher, whose relationship with the Scotland coach started to break down when he was left out of the Euro 2012 qualification matches against Czech Republic and Spain, revealed by text in February that he did not wish to be selected for the squad to face Northern Ireland.

quote I have added James Forrest for this particular match because I feel he will be an international footballer of some repute in the years ahead

Levein said: "The situation with Steven is exactly the same as before - if Steven indicates to me that he wants to be involved in the Scotland national team then I'll consider him."

When asked if the door was not closed for the Wolves striker, Levein said: "He just needs to open it. I have absolutely no problem with Steven, as I've said in previous times, but really I'm here to talk about people who are selected."

Martin is the latest product of Levein's search to find in-form players with Scottish connections.

The 25-year-old qualifies through his father, although the necessary paperwork to confirm his status has yet to be completed.

Martin has been a mainstay of Scottish manager Paul Lambert's Norwich side, who have won automatic promotion from the Championship.

"Russell has had a fantastic season at Norwich City and he's one we have had our eye on for a while," said Levein.

"They have been across in the United States celebrating promotion and he has flown back early to get all the paperwork tied up and that shows his willingness to be available to play for Scotland."

Martin, nicknamed "the Norfolk Cafu" by some Canaries fans, began his career with Brighton before spells with Isthmian League Division One South side Lewes, Wycombe Wanderers, where he also played under Lambert, and Peteborough United.

He will provide cover at right-back after Celtic's Mark Wilson missed out on being named in the squad because of a knee injury.

Forrest has been in good form for Celtic this season

However, 19-year-old club-mate Forrest has been rewarded for his breakthrough year at Celtic Park, although he has yet to become a regular starter under Neil Lennon.

"In keeping with adding younger, talented players to our group in recent games, I have added James for this particular match because I feel he will be an international footballer of some repute in the years ahead," explained Levein.

"I am keen to get him on the pitch as he is the type of player who will bring smiles to people's faces."

Levein said that Scotland's young player of the year, David Goodwillie, had been left out for non-footballing reasons, the Dundee United striker facing charges of serious sexual assault.

Scotland captain Darren Fletcher, who has returned to fitness following injury, has been omitted from the squad as the matches clash with Manchester United's Champions League final against Barcelona.

The Scotland coach was also denied the services of three long-term injury absentees - Tottenham full-back Alan Hutton, Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon and West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans.

Peterborough striker Craig Mackail-Smith retains his place in the squad after making his debut in the 2-0 friendly defeat by Brazil in March.

However, his presence at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin will depend on the outcome of the League One play-off semi-finals, with the Posh 3-2 down from the first leg as they prepare to host MK Dons on Thursday.

St Johnstone midfielder Murray Davidson and Watford's Don Cowie have dropped out of the squad following the defeat by Brazil.

Kilmarnock captain Craig Bryson and in-form Motherwell forward Jamie Murphy have also missed out.

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Matt Gilks (Blackpool), Allan McGregor (Rangers), Iain Turner (Everton)

Defenders: Phil Bardsley (Sunderland), Christophe Berra (Wolves), Gary Caldwell (Wigan Athletic), Stephen Crainey (Blackpool), Grant Hanley (Blackburn Rovers), Russell Martin (Norwich City), Steven Whittaker (Rangers), Danny Wilson (Liverpool)

Midfielders: Charlie Adam (Blackpool), Barry Bannan (Aston Villa), Scott Brown (Celtic), Kris Commons (Celtic), James Forrest (Celtic), James McArthur (Wigan Athletic), James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion), Barry Robson (Middlesbrough)

Forwards: Craig Mackail-Smith (Peterborough), Chris Maguire (Aberdeen), Ross McCormack (Leeds United), Kenny Miller (Bursaspor), Steven Naismith (Rangers)