Goalkeeper Marshall retiring from national team to give youth a chance

Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall is retiring from international football with immediate effect.

The 37-year-old – who recently signed for Hibernian – was one of four keepers in Steve Clarke’s squad for the current round of fixtures, and decided to call it a day after the World Cup playoff defeat by Ukraine.

Marshall, the penalty shoot-out hero against Serbia in November 2020 as Scotland qualified for Euro 2020, believes now is the time to step aside and let younger contenders like Zander Clark and Liam Kelly stake a claim to replace regular number one Craig Gordon.

“I have thought long and hard about it since the disappointment of losing to Ukraine,” he told the Scottish Football Association. “I love playing for my country and the experience of helping the team to a major tournament has been the highlight of my career. I have memories of playing for Scotland that will last a lifetime but I also know what it is like as a young goalkeeper to have the opportunity.

“That was the overriding factor in my decision. Liam and Zander have been involved in recent squads for a while now and it is important that they can benefit from the experience of supporting Craig as number one.”

Marshall retires with 47 caps to his name. He made his debut in a friendly against Hungary in 2004 and his final appearance proved to be the defeat by Croatia at last summer’s Euros.

Manager Steve Clarke said he believes the retiring keeper still has plenty to offer Hibs after stepping down from the international stage.