Griffiths offered no guarantees over future

Scotland boss Alex McLeish has warned Leigh Griffiths there are “no guarantees” he will play for his country again, writes Ian Roache.

The Celtic striker caused a stir yesterday when he withdrew from the squad for Thursday’s Uefa Nations League game in Israel and the friendly against Portugal at Hampden on Sunday.

Griffiths is not injured but has claimed he needs time to work on his fitness.

In a statement issued through the SFA, the former Dundee frontman said: “I feel that I need to focus on my fitness over this international period and get back into the best possible shape.

“I had a good discussion with the manager to explain my decision. “It’s not one that I’ve made lightly. “It means a lot to me to play for Scotland and I hope to be part of Alex’s plans again in future, if selected.

“My aim is to be back to my best and be available for selection for club and country.”

However, McLeish insisted that the player is taking a gamble if he wants to return at a later date.

McLeish said: “Leigh feels he’s got to work on his fitness. He pulled himself out.

“He wants to be honest with himself and about the situation. We are happy that there are no other call-offs and we go forward.

“I had a good conversation with Leigh at the weekend.

“I said: ‘OK, there are obviously no guarantees but if you feel you have to get yourself fit…’

“That is down to his mentality. He is determined to do it. Let’s see what happens.

“I’ve said there are no guarantees. He knows that. That is how I left it.

“We are looking for top performances from the guys that we have in the current squad.

“Everybody here wants to play for Scotland in these games.

“If we can get positive results then it just increases the confidence levels and empowers the players.”

McLeish was asked if Griffiths is taking a gamble with his international career.

He replied: “Yeah but it is his personal decision. It is up to Leigh to see what happens in the future.”

It is all a far cry from those Griffiths free-kicks that had Hampden bouncing and England worrying in June last year.

The withdrawal comes after Griffiths was surprisingly dropped in favour of Steven Naismith and Johnny Russell for Scotland’s first Nations League tie last month, a 2-0 win over Albania.

The 28-year-old subsequently claimed McLeish’s comments about Naismith being hard to leave out felt like a “kick in the teeth”.

McLeish last week revealed Griffiths had ignored a phone call from him but the Scotland camp are insisting the striker has not taken the huff.

The Scotland boss has yet to decide whether or not to bring in another attacking player ahead of the trip to Haifa.

Alex McLeish: Issued warning to striker after call-off.

Picture: SNS Group. Leigh Griffiths had Hampden bouncing last June.