McARTHUR CALLS TIME ON HIS SCOTLAND CAREER

JAMES McARTHUR last night insisted recurring fitness problems meant he had to retire from Scotland duty to maintain a top-level club career. The 31-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder earned 32 caps and scored four goals over an international career that began in 2010. However, McArthur (right) asked this summer to be excused from Scotland involvement for the remainder of the year as he managed a back problem. He made his last appearance in the 2-2 draw with Slovenia in October 2017 and has now informed national boss Alex McLeish that he won’t be returning. ‘It is with much regret that I feel the time has arrived for me to retire from international football,’ said McArthur in a statement. ‘I have been part of the Scotland set-up for the last ten years and I am extremely proud to have represented my country on 32 occasions. ‘I have found it increasingly difficult over the last year to manage a number of physical issues. I have debated long and hard about this decision and I feel the only way for me to be able to maintain my fitness in order to play at the top level is to retire from international football. I would like to thank all the coaches, staff and fellow players with whom I have shared my Scotland career. It has been an honour. ‘I wish Alex McLeish and his team every success in the future.’ McLeish understood the decision of the midfielder, who scored in a 3-2 defeat against then-world champions Germany in 2015. ‘James has been an integral member of the Scotland national team since his debut in 2010,’ said McLeish, whose side face Albania and Israel next month in vital Nations League matches. ‘We’ll miss James but fully understand his need to manage his body as he approaches the latter stages of his career. ‘James had his heart set on reaching the coveted 50-cap mark, so for him to retire from international football must have been a very difficult decision. ‘His goal against Germany will serve as one of a number of highlights in his international career. ‘We wish him all the best for the future — he has been not only a valued teammate but a consummate professional throughout his Scotland career. ‘The challenge now is for our other midfielders to step up into the breach.’