Matt Ritchie will turn down Scotland 'for the foreseeable future' | OneFootball

Scotland boss Alex McLeish confirmed on Tuesday that Newcastle winger Matt Ritchie will not make himself available “for the foreseeable future” after he named his Nations League squad to face Albania and Israel.

The decision comes just a week after Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur announced his international retirement.

As a further disappointment to McLeish, West Ham United midfielder Robert Snodgrass will also not be in the squad.

In addition, Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney is not in the squad amid reports that he may opt to play for England instead.

“We’ve factored in everything that could happen and we know what we have to do,” McLeish said.

“I feel we have the players who can do it. I have trust in them.”

“Matt [Ritchie] wanted to be left out for the foreseeable future. It’s private. It’s not something for me to discuss. He had injury issues as well and, again, there is the management of his injuries.

“I wanted Matt to come in, but he has asked to be left out at the moment. He has not retired or anything. You don’t know everyone’s private life so you have to respect that.

“I think if you spoke to the people concerned you would be accommodating as well.”

Scotland defeated Albania 2-0 in Glasgow back in September before dropping a 2-1 contest in Israel last month.