Matt Ritchie asks to be left out of Scotland squad

Newcastle winger Matt Ritchie has asked to be left out of the Scotland squad for the foreseeable future.

The 29-year-old has won 16 caps for the country of his father's birth but has spoken to boss Alex McLeish and requested a break for 'private reasons'.

'Matt wanted to be left out for the foreseeable future,' said McLeish.

'It's private. It's not something for me to discuss. He had injury issues as well and, again, there is management of his injuries.

'I wanted Matt to come in, but he has asked to be left out at the moment.

'He has not retired or anything. You don't know everyone's private life so you have to respect that.

'I think if you spoke to the people concerned you would be accommodating as well.'

Ritchie - who has missed just one game for Newcastle this season - will sit out of this month's Nations League double header against Albania and Israel but could yet return when international football resumes in March.