Leigh Griffiths withdraws from Scotland squad

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths has withdrawn from the Scotland squad for the upcoming Nations League game against Isreal and the friendly game against Portugal.

As reported by the BBC, the 28-year-old remains committed to playing for his country in the future but he wants to use the upcoming break to work on getting back to full fitness.

He said:

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 that I’ve made lightly. My aim is to be back to my best and be available for selection for club and country.

Griffiths has had somewhat of a stop-start beginning to his season with Celtic and wants to take time away from playing games to put in the work required to get himself feeling 100% again ahead of a crucial run of games for the Hoops.