Naismith’s chances of facing Israel get a boost

Mcleish. “I understand a reaction at a particular time, but he didn’t carry it forward. I said at the time that he replied by scoring three goals in quick succession. That was a good reaction to the whole thing. There is not a problem. I had a goodconversationwith Leigh on Saturday. I said: ‘Okay, there are obviously no guarantees, but if you feel you have got to get yourself fit’. That is down to his mentality. He is determined to do it. Let’s see what happens.”

The latest twist has certainly enhanced Naismith’s chances of starting against Israel in Haifa on Thursday night. Mcleish insisted there could be no certainties in terms of Griffiths’ wish to return to the fold with the remaining forwards now handed two more chances to cement their place. Scotland also take on Portugal in a friendly at Hampden Park on Sunday. Johnny Russell and Oli Mcburnie join Naismith, pictured, in contention to play while Mcleish is also still deliberating whether to call another striker up, with Sheffield Wednesday’s Steven Fletcher an option.

Griffiths will stay back at his club this week but where he goes next with Scotland remains to be seen. He has scored four times in 19 appearances including a memorable brace of late freekicks against England last summer.

He remains what most would consider Scotland’s most natural goalscorer at a time when such players are scarce. In a statement yesterday, Griffiths 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.”