Hull midfielder Shaun Maloney left out of the Scotland squad

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan has opted to leave Hull City midfielder Shaun Maloney out of his squad for the World Cup qualifier in Malta.

The 33-year-old, who scored in his team's 2-0 victory at Swansea on Saturday, is a surprise omission for the Sunday, September 4 encounter, which will be shown live on Sky Sports.

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Maloney's team-mates Andrew Robertson and Robert Snodgrass have been included for the Group F trip to Valletta though.

Strachan will also be without the experience of Celtic skipper Scott Brown, who decided to retire from international football last week.

But goalkeeper Craig Gordon, left-back Kieran Tierney, winger James Forrest and striker Leigh Griffiths of Celtic are all included.

Hibernian midfielder John McGinn and Rangers winger Barrie McKay have retained their places from Scotland's summer friendlies.

Hearts goalkeeper Jack Hamilton and Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald have been called up for the first time.

After enjoying a proper summer break for the first time in years, Brown insists he will not return to the international fold.

"I need to look after my body and try to play at this club as long as I can," said Brown.

"I have had a great pre-season, I had five weeks off in the summer and my body is feeling good.

"It has probably been five or six years since I had a break like that. My legs are feeling fresh and hopefully now I can push on.

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"Once my mind is set, that's it. For me, there's no going back. I am quite stubborn that way. It is good timing for everyone I think.

"I have not seen family, or chill-out time so I think it is a good time for me to call it a day.

"I just want to push and prolong my Celtic career as much as I can."

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Scotland squad to play in Malta on September 4:

Goalkeepers: Gordon (Celtic), Hamilton (Hearts), Marshall (Cardiff).

Defenders: Berra (Ipswich), Greer (Blackburn), Hanley (Newcastle), Hutton (Aston V), R Martin (Norwich), Paterson (Hearts), Robertson (Hull), Tierney (Celtic).

Midfielders: Anya (Watford), Bannon (Sheff W), Burke (N Forest), Fletcher (WBA), Forrest (Celtic), McArthur (C Pal), McDonald (Fulham), McGinn (Hibs), McKay (Rangers), Morrison (WBA), Ritchie (Newcastle), Snodgrass (Hull).

Forwards: Fletcher (Sheff W), Griffiths (Celtic), C Martin (Derby), Naismith (Norwich).