NO LAST STAN FOR AL
EXCLUSIVE Greegs KOs Eck plea and quits
ALLAN McGREGOR knocked back a plea from Alex McLeish to play one last time for Scotland against Kazakhstan later this month.
Record Sport understands the Rangers keeper told McLeish he had been planning to hang up his international gloves for some time.
McLeish had hoped the 37-year-old would agree to one last, long road trip to Astana for the Euro 2020 qualifier.
He was even prepared to let him leave the squad to fly back to Glasgow after the Group I opener
and opt out of the second leg of the double header away to San Marino.
Instead, McGregor called time on his Scotland career when he announced he will no longer be available for selection.
McGregor’s bombshell left McLeish scrambling for cover before naming his squad this afternoon.
It’s understood the manager was yesterday checking out claim Southampton keeper Angus Gunn might be willing to defect to Scotland after failing to get the nod from England boss Gareth Southgate.
But Gunn, son of former Scotland keeper Bryan, is not ready to switch camps yet and will make a decision this summer.
That leaves McLeish light on options but McGregor believes combining club and international football is placing an intolerable strain on him.
He said: “At this stage in my career, and rather than cause disruption in the middle of a campaign, I feel now is the best time to step away from international football.
“I have played almost 50 games already this season and with the prospect of the same again for the next couple of years I think it’s important to protect my body and take rest periods when possible.
“Spending time with my young daughter is also very important to me.
“Playing for Scotland was always an honour and this wasn’t an easy decision to make.
“I want to wish all the management and players the best for the future. I would love to see them reach a tournament.”