Alex McLeish has warned Leigh Griffiths he has put his Scotland career in jeopardy after pulling out of the double-header with Israel and Portugal to concentrate on his fitness.
Selected in the original party after starting Celtic's last five games, the striker informed the national manager of his withdrawal in a telephone call over the weekend.
Griffiths had previously described McLeish's claim that he would likely select Hearts forward Steven Naismith ahead of him in the Nations League match as a 'kick in the teeth' — only to backtrack by insisting he would respect any decision that was made.
While understanding the striker's desire to ensure he's operating at optimum level, McLeish made it plain that Griffiths' decision could have serious implications for his Scotland prospects.
'I've said there are no guarantees,' he stated. 'We are looking for top performances from the guys that we have in the current squad. Everybody here wants to play for Scotland in these games. If we can get positive results, it just increases the confidence levels and empowers the players.'
Asked if the 28-year-old had taken a huge gamble with his Scotland career, McLeish replied: 'Yeah, but it is his personal decision. It is up to Leigh to see what happens in the future. There are no guarantees. He knows that. That is how I left it.'
Explaining the chain of events that led to the player backing out, McLeish added: 'I had a conversation with him at the weekend. He feels he has got to work on his fitness. He pulled himself out. He wants to be honest with himself and about the situation. We are happy there are no other call-offs. We go forward.'
Insisting the situation hadn't arisen due to his promotion of Naismith's case after the win against Albania, McLeish said: 'Not at all. There's not a problem with that. 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 (for Celtic) in quick succession. That was a good reaction to the whole thing. There is not a problem. I had a good conversation with Leigh on Saturday. I said: 'Okay, there are obviously no guarantees, but if you feel you've got to get yourself fit.' That is down to his mentality. He is determined to do it.'
The development leaves Naismith, Oli McBurnie and Johnny Russell as the only strikers in the squad.
'If we have time to call up somebody and feel we need to, we will look at it,' said McLeish. Asked last Friday if there was an issue with Griffiths' fitness, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers denied that was the case.
On Monday, though, the player detailed the reasons behind his withdrawal, saying: 'It means a lot to me to play for Scotland and I hope to be part of Alex's plans again in future, if selected.
'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 I've made lightly. My aim is to be back to my best and be available for selection for club and country.'