ISRAEL v SCOTLAND

BY GARY RALSTON CHARLIE MULGREW stopped short of putting his foot in it over Leigh Griffiths when he revealed a stubbed toe could have cost him a Scotland cap. The Celtic striker controversially pulled out of the squad for the Nations League trip to Israel this week to focus on his fitness at club level. It came in the aftermath of the decision by Alex McLeish to drop him from his starting line-up as Hearts rival Steven Naismith rose to the challenge against Albania last month. Mulgrew offered a wistful response to the decision of Griffiths to give this one a miss, which may in turn jeopardise his long-term prospects with the national team at a time when qualification for a major finals may become closer than at any time in the last 15 years. After all, previous club managers have given Mulgrew a nod and a wink that even the most minor ailments could buy him a pass from international duty. Earlier this week, his current Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray also warned the defender it’s coming close to the time he will be forced to choose between club and country. Mulgrew is sticking his fingers in his ears for that one, just as he ignored the advice on desertion offered up previously by club bosses. Even if his former Hoops team-mate is sitting this one out, Mulgrew will keep dancing to the tune of the Tartan Army for as long as his legs will carry him. He said: “Listen, it’s Leigh’s decision. If that’s what he feels is right, to use the extra days to work on his fitness, then that’s between himself, Celtic and Scotland. “I assume it’s best for him. It’s his decision. There wouldn’t be an issue if he came back in. People will respect his decision and hope, when Leigh does come back in, that he is ready to play. “I’ve spoken about coming away with Scotland before to the manager but Tony is one of the better ones I’ve worked with in those terms. “Every club manager I have played under would rather you stayed at your club. That’s just