The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Brown keen not to let down Strachan
SCOTLAND: Captain wanted to be sure he wasn’t leaving boss in lurch
Scott Brown admits the biggest concern over his international retirement was letting down Scotland boss Gordon Strachan.
Brown announced his decision last week in a bid to prolong his club career after suffering a series of injuries in recent seasons.
The 31-year-old did not want to leave Strachan in the lurch ahead of the World Cup qualifying campaign, but the Scotland boss understood his wishes and made no attempt to dissuade him.
Speaking ahead of Celtic’s Champions League qualifier against Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Brown said: “My body has taken a lot over the years. I have played international football for 11 years, not any break at all really, season after season.”
Gordon Strachan insists his Scotland squad remains strong in central midfield following the retirement of Scott Brown.
Strachan could call upon Darren Fletcher, James Morrison, James McArthur, John McGinn, Kevin McDonald and Barry Bannan after naming his squad for the opening World Cup qualifier in Malta on September 4.
The Scotland manager revealed he made no attempt to persuade the Celtic skipper to reconsider his decision to end his international career after 50 appearances.
“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 everybody 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.”
Strachan has made no announcement on a new skipper, a decision which might be complicated by the fact Darren Fletcher has not been a regular starter since recovering from illness.
Strachan said: “I have not really spoken to Darren. So when that comes round, I will speak to Darren about it.”
There was 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.
Hearts goalkeeper Jack Hamilton retains his place as understudy in the absence of Allan McGregor, while teammate 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 Barrie McKay.
There is no room for striker Ross McCormack, who missed his own stag do in Las Vegas to accept a call-up for post-season friendlies against France and Italy.
McCormack was the most in-demand player in the Sky Bet Championship this summer after scoring 42 goals in two seasons for Fulham, with Aston Villa beating Norwich to his £12 million signing.
Strachan watched the 30-year-old as Villa drew 0-0 with Derby on Saturday, but it was County striker Chris Martin who made the squad along with Steven Fletcher, Leigh Griffiths and Steven Naismith.
The Scotland boss said: “You have to have a variation of players when you’re picking your squad so you can change the game, change the way you want to play at times.”
Griffiths appears certain to make more of a contribution to this campaign than the failed Euro 2016 qualification bid, which amounted to 15 minutes in Georgia.
The Celtic striker has continued where he left off following his 40-goal return last season and impressed Strachan in the 5-2 Champions League win over Hapoel Be’er Sheva.