Rangers duo Lee Wallace and Barrie McKay included in Scotland squad to face Italy and France

Rangers duo Lee Wallace and Barrie McKay have been included in the Scotland squad for the upcoming friendlies against Italy and France.

Gordon Strachan had overlooked the full-back and the winger in his squads that faced Czech Republic and Denmark but the pair, who have helped guide Rangers to the Scottish Championship title, Challenge Cup and a Scottish Cup final this season, have both now been included.

Ibrox captain Wallace won Championship Player of the Year, while McKay's goal against Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final was named Goal of the Season at the recent PFA Awards.

They are joined by Hearts full-back Callum Paterson, who could be in line to win his first senior cap, and Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur, who returns after injury.

Celtic's player of the year-winning pair Leigh Griffiths and Kieran Tierney, who made his senior international debut in the 1-0 win over Denmark in March, both drop out along with goalkeeper Craig Gordon for the double-header, but Hibernian's John McGinn retains his place.

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There is no place in the squad for Middlesbrough striker Jordan Rhodes, while Tony Watt, Kevin McDonald and Liam Bridcutt are among those to also drop out. Celtic skipper Scott Brown has been ruled out for the remaining Scottish Premiership matches with inflammation of both hamstrings and also sits out the upcoming international fixtures.

Scotland travel to Malta to face Italy on May 29 before a trip to play Euro 2016 hosts France on June 4 in Metz.

Scotland squad to face Italy and France:

Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Dundee), David Marshall (Cardiff), Allan McGregor (Hull)

Defenders: Christophe Berra (Ipswich), Gordon Greer (Brighton), Grant Hanley (Blackburn), Alan Hutton (Aston Villa), Russell Martin (Norwich), Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic), Callum Paterson (Hearts), Andrew Robertson (Hull), Lee Wallace (Rangers)

Midfielders: Ikechi Anya (Watford), Barry Bannan (Sheffield Wednesday), Oliver Burke (Nottingham Forest), Darren Fletcher (West Bromwich Albion), Shaun Maloney (Hull), James McArthur (Crystal Palace), John McGinn (Hibernian), Barrie McKay (Rangers), Matt Phillips (Queens Park Rangers), Matt Ritchie (Bournemouth), Robert Snodgrass (Hull)

Forwards: Steven Fletcher (Marseille), Chris Martin (Derby), Ross McCormack (Fulham), Steven Naismith (Norwich)