Quieter for sure but it’s

Gordon Strachan insists his Scotland squad remains strong in central midfield following the retirement of Scott Brown.

Strachan can call on Darren Fletcher, James Morrison, James McArthur, John McGinn, Kevin McDonald and Barry Bannan after naming his squad for the opening World Cup qualifier against Malta in Attard on Sunday week.

The Scotland manager revealed he made no attempt to persuade Celtic midfielder Brown, 31, to reconsider his decision to end his international career after 50 appearances, which was announced on Friday but made two weeks earlier.

“Listen, I’m OK there,” Strachan said. “It’s one of our stronger areas. Weaker without him, but still strong.

“It will be quieter. I loved his company, I think everyone liked his company.

“But we get on with it. We thank him for what he did. We understand the decision he has come to, as a player myself, who had 50 caps, and we respect his decision.

“His decision is for the best of Scott Brown. At times in your career you go: ‘What’s the best for me? What’s the best for my family?’

“And he has decided at this moment in time that this will be the best for him.”

Strachan has made no announcement on a new captain, a decision which might be complicated by the fact that Darren Fletcher has not been a regular starter since recovering from the long-term illness that cost him the captaincy.

Strachan said: “I have only spoken to guys to ask about their playing time and their fitness. I have not really spoken to Darren. So when that comes round, I will speak to Darren about it.”

There is no room in Strachan’s 27-man squad for Shaun Maloney, who was arguably Scotland’s most impressive player during their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.

The 33-year-old came off the bench to score in Hull’s Premier League win at Swansea on Saturday but Strachan does not feel he is properly match-fit.

“I spoke to Shaun after the France game and said we really need to get more games in this squad,” he said.

“Shaun has not had many games over the last period and I also said to him that the players in your area at the moment there are people playing regular and playing very well. So he understands that.

“But don’t take that as finished, that’s for sure. He has a great fitness level, but I think some people need games.”

Hearts goalkeeper Jack Hamilton retains his place as understudy in the absence of the injured Allan McGregor, while Tynecastle team-mate Callum Paterson is challenging Alan Hutton at right back. Gordon Greer, 36, retains his place as central defensive cover while Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson are vying for the left-back role.

Competing for the attacking midfield roles are Ikechi Anya, Oliver Burke, Bannan, the resurgent James Forrest, Matt Ritchie, Robert Snodgrass and the sole Rangers squad member, Barrie McKay. But there is no room for attacker Ross McCormack, who missed his own stag do in Las Vegas to accept a call-up for post-season friendlies against France and Italy.

“I’m OK there. It’s one of our stronger areas. Weaker without him, but still strong”

OPTIONS: But Darren Fletcher has not been a regular starter