ROTHWELL & FERNANDEZ IN

Number selected - now new Ger looking to be Scots pick

- BY ANDY NEWPORT

JOE ROTHWELL made his daughter Zeta’s day by letting her pick his Rangers jersey number.

Now the new Ibrox recruit is hoping Steve Clarke will make his own dreams come true by throwing him a Scotland shirt.

The former Blackburn, Bournemouth and Leeds midfielder has signed a three-year deal after being won over by the chance to work with his old Southampton gaffer Russell Martin.

And his move north comes with the added benefit of putting him front and centre of national boss Clarke's watchful gaze. The 30-year-old came through the England age groups, winning two Under-21 caps for the Three Lions.

But with his tartan heritage he'd have no hesitation in switching allegiances to Scotland if the call came.

Rothwell said: “I'm eligible from my mum's side, her mum is Scottish. It's something I've always been keen to do.

“Obviously that wasn't the reason why I came here but hopefully if it plays a part and gets me into the international set-up then I'll be delighted with that.”

Little Zeta was given the final say on her dad's squad number.

But Rothwell admits no deliberations were needed when the call came from Martin offering a reunion.

The pair spent six months together at St Mary’s after he had fallen down the pecking order at Premier League outfit Bournemouth.