Leigh Griffiths not in Scotland squad for European Qualifiers

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Tuesday 27 August 2019 12:49, UK

Leigh Griffiths has not been included in Scotland's squad for their European Qualifiers against Russia and Belgium, but there is a recall for Robert Snodgrass.

Griffiths made a return to domestic football for club side Celtic in July, having taken time out of football following a battle with depression, and has scored three goals in eight matches in all competitions this season.

Scotland boss Steve Clarke has named a 24-man squad including West Ham midfielder Snodgrass, who has not featured for the national side since September 2018.

Defenders Grant Hanley and Liam Cooper have also been recalled, but there is no place for Scott McKenna who misses out through injury.

Portsmouth goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray has earned his first call-up, while captain Andy Robertson is back in the side after missing Scotland's 3-0 defeat to Belgium in June.

Asked how close Griffiths was to making the squad, Clarke said: "Close. Leigh has got some fantastic attributes. He has come a long way in a short space of time after a very difficult spell in his life.

"I feel we need to give him a little bit more time to settle into the role again at Celtic.