Scotland right-back Alan Hutton quits international football

Alan Hutton has quit international football. The full-back was not named in the Scotland squad for Friday's World Cup qualifier against England, with manager Gordon Strachan revealing it was at the player's behest.

Alan Hutton won 50 caps for Scotland. Picture: Getty Images

“Alan Hutton has taken himself out of the frame to be an international player,” said the national coach. Admitting that the decision had been “a wee bit” out of the blue, Strachan said there was nothing in their conversations that suggested he was quitting in a fit of pique.

The Aston Villa full-back made his international debut, against Austria, in 2007 and has gone on to win 50 caps. His final appearance was in the 1-0 friendly victory over Czech Republic in March. The former Spurs and Rangers defender was often selected for his country despite being sidelined at club level, which makes his decision now, at a time when he is getting a game for the Championship side, all the more surprising.

“I think you need to ask Alan about that,” Strachan said. “He’s maybe in a position now where he’s thinking: How long is that? 10 years, have I done enough? We respect everyone’s decision.”

Hutton, 31, was an unused substitute in the opening World Cup qualifier against Malta, with Strachan preferring Callum Paterson at right-back. The Villa defender was then said to have withdrawn from the recent double header due to injury.