Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur declared himself unavailable for international selection ahead of Scotland’s games next month as he aims to continue nursing a back problem.
Scotland boss Alex McLeish has been discussing the squad he has selected for the national team’s upcoming fixtures against Belgium and Albania, with the exclusion of McArthur raising questions.
As quoted by the Evening Standard, McLeish explained that McArthur has not yet called time on his international career, but has alluded to how his long-standing back problems are hindering his availability.
I like James, I think he’s a terrific player, and it’s disappointing not to have him, but he has some issues in his body. You hear a lot of players saying that when they get to a certain age, they know exactly what they need in terms of their fitness, and he has had some issues with his back, and he felt at the moment he can’t combine international football with the task of playing in the Premier League and cup games for Crystal Palace.
So he has put his club first. They are the people who pay his wages. It’s disappointing to lose him but it’s his personal decision. He has not said he has hung up his boots for Scotland but that’s the way he feels at the moment.
McArthur is a key player for Crystal Palace and has been utilised frequently already by Roy Hodgson in the new Premier League season.
The experienced midfielder enjoyed a strong performance in the recent defeat to Watford but missed a good chance to the net, as his side were eventually consigned to a 2-1 defeat.
McArthur’s international future is not yet confirmed but it seems he is focusing on football with Palace for the time being.
