Celtic captain Scott Brown quits Scotland for second time

Scotland midfielder Scott Brown has retired from international football for a second time.
Scott Brown has announced his retirement from the national side. Picture: Michael GillenScott Brown has announced his retirement from the national side. Picture: Michael Gillen
Scott Brown has announced his retirement from the national side. Picture: Michael Gillen
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The Celtic captain, 32, has won 55 caps for his country across two spells, reversing an initial decision to retire in August 2016.

New Scotland boss Alex McLeish may have wished to call on Brown’s services but the combative midfielder has made himself unavailable.

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He said on Celtic’s official website: “I have spoken to Alex McLeish over the weekend. I really wanted to tell Alex first what I was thinking about things.

“As I said to Alex, I felt that, given the demands which are increasing all the time in football and at this stage of my career, I wasn’t able to give both my club and country my best and I needed to focus purely on Celtic at this time.”

McLeish said: “I would like to thank Scott for his dedication to his country throughout his career.

“I have known Scott for a long time – I gave him his first competitive Scotland cap – and I know how difficult this decision has been for him.

“Scott gave his all every time he represented his nation and his influence on the squad is immeasurable – he led by example both on and off the pitch and set the tone amongst the squad.

“He has been a shining example for the younger players in the squad and an influential figure in the dressing room.”