Leigh Griffiths pulls out of Scotland squad
Leigh Griffiths has pulled out of Scotland's games against Israel and Portugal.
Last updated 8th Oct 2018
The Celtic striker's pulled out of the squad to 'focus on his fitness.'
He played 61 minutes for Celtic in their 6-0 win over St Johnstone on Sunday before going off.
The 28-year-old will now not be involved as Alex McLeish's men take on Israel in the Nations League on Thursday before facing Portugal in a friendly three days later.
In a statement released by the Scottish Football Association, Griffiths said: "I feel that I need to focus on my fitness over this international period and get back into the best possible shape.
"I had a good discussion with the manager to explain my decision. It's not one that I've made lightly. It means a lot to me to play for Scotland and I hope to be part of Alex's plans again in future, if selected.
"My aim is to be back to my best and be available for section for club and country."
Griffiths was left out of the starting line-up to face Albania in Scotland's opening Nations League win but assistant coach Peter Grant insisted the forward had not taken the huff ahead of Thursday's clash in Israel.
Griffiths was left out of the starting line-up to face Albania in Scotland's opening Nations League win but assistant coach Peter Grant insisted the forward had not taken the huff ahead of Thursday's clash in Israel.
"Absolutely not,'' Grant said. "To be fair to the kid he's been honest, Alex had a great conversation with him and we're very pleased with the way things sit.
"We have spoken to Celtic and we understand the player, there is no problem whatsoever. It's definitely not a huff. That was always our concern, that that's the way it was going to come out.
"The player has explained the situation and we are very, very happy with that. Alex has spoken to Leigh at length and we are very, very comfortable, as the player is."