Griffiths withdraws from Scotland squad

Griffiths, 28, has opted to decline the call up for his nation's fixtures this month, instead opting to stay at home and work on his fitness during the international break. However the forward has insisted that he will be available for selection in the future.

Celtic striker Griffiths addressed the announcement in a statement on Monday, writing: ""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 and I hope to be part of Alex's plans again in future, if selected." 

Griffiths continued: "My aim is to be back to my best and be available for selection for club and country."

 

October 8, 2018

Assistant manager for Scotland national team, Peter Grant, defended Griffith's decision to withdraw from the squad, insisting it had nothing to do with the player starting as a substitute for the recent game against Albania.

Grant explained: "To be fair to the kid he's been honest. Alex had a great conversation with him and we're very pleased with the way things sit.We have spoken to Celtic and we understand the player, there is no problem whatsoever. It's definitely not a huff."

He continued: "That was always our concern, that that's the way it was going to come out. The player has explained the situation and we are very, very happy with that. Alex has spoken to Leigh at length and we are very, very comfortable, as the player is."

Grant was also keen to offer Griffiths reassurance that, if he performed well at club level, he will continue to be considered for national selection by himself and head coach Alex McLeish, declaring; "We feel it's very, very important for him that he feels good in his own skin, and we support him 100 per cent and he will definitely be part of Scotland in the future, that's for sure."

Scotland face Portugal in a friendly fixture on October 14th at Hampden Park, before travelling to Israel to play in  UEFA Nations League action on 11th October.