Fresh blow as Bournemouth star pulls out of double-header

Scotland boss Alex McLeish has been dealt another blow as Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser pulled out of the squad for the double-header with Israel and Portugal.

The former Aberdeen star limped off injured during the Cherries’ win against Watford at the weekend but was so desperate to play his part for his country he flew north in the hope of persuading the Scotland medics to let him travel to Israel.

Those hopes were dashed as he was told to return to Eddie Howe’s Premier League outfit.

McLeish tried him out in a right wing-back role against Belgium last month without much success but said he was preparing to reshape his line-up to squeeze the player in.

He said: “To see him unleashing his pace and power in a more forward position with Bournemouth since the start of the season has obviously opened my eyes up to playing him in a different position and maybe changing the system.

“He’s saved his electric performances for his club in recent weeks and we were very keen to get him involved with Scotland because the way he has been burning it up down there in England.

“However, he failed a medical with the Scotland doctors and physios and we had no choice but to send him back.

“He was very, very keen to come. He came up on the plane on Sunday night and absolutely determined to stay but we had to send him back for his own good.”

McLeish said Fraser’s conduct did not paint Celtic striker Griffiths in an even worse light.

He withdrew from McLeish’s squad after claiming he needs to work on his fitness levels.

Asked if he felt let down by the striker, the Scotland manager said: “No, no I don’t. Leigh doesn’t feel he is fit enough and wants to concentrate on his fitness – and you have to respect Leigh’s decision.

“I think it’s big of him to say that he needs to get fitter to play at these levels.”

Ryan Fraser has pulled out of the Scotland squad due to injury.