By Martin Morgan

Last updated 11:49, Tuesday, 07 October 2008

SCOTLAND boss Steve McCormack has spoken of his disappointment at Whitehaven forward Spencer Miller missing out on a place in his World Cup squad.

Miller, right, was due to be named in McCormack’s final squad for the tournament, which kicks off in Australia later this month.

But he pulled out as his wife is due to give birth to their first child early in November.

“Spencer’s been part of the squad that got us to the World Cup and had played for us for the past three or four years, always doing very well,” said McCormack, Miller’s former Recre boss.

“I spoke to him when Widnes played up at Whitehaven at the end of the season, and some things are more important than rugby.

“I’m disappointed that he’ll miss out on the World Cup, but the birth’s an important part of his life that he’s got to be there for.”

With Workington Town forward Iain Marsh, another who would have been on the plane next week, also missing out due to a career-ending injury, there will be no players with strong west Cumbrian connections in the Scotland squad.

Though Town boss Dave Rotheram will be McCormack’s No 2 in the coaching set-up. And the pair will be trying to plot France and Fiji’s downfall in the group stage Down Under.

“France are improving, and with Catalans now playing in Super League, many of their players are experienced at a higher level,” McCormack added. “We are always the underdogs, but we thrive on that.”

SPECULATION was rife early today that west Cumbrian Rob Purdham was set for inclusion in Tony Smith’s England World Cup squad.

Smith was due to name his 24-strong squad this morning, with the ex-Haven ace, now 28, widely predicted to earn a seat on the plane.