GRIFF’S SCOTS CALL-UP

LEIGH GRIFFITHS has been given the call from Steve Clarke to return to the Scotland international squad for the first time in two years.

The Celtic striker, who has started only one game while making four substitute appearances this season, has been given the green light for the crucial Euro Play-Off Final in Serbia a week on Thursday, according to a BBC report.

Griffiths last played in a Nations League win against Albania in 2018 and has scored two Premiership goals for the champions against St Johnstone and Aberdeen in this campaign.

The 30-year-old attacker is one of four Hoops stars to get the nod alongside left-back Greg Taylor and midfielders Ryan Christie and Callum McGregor.

Former Parkhead keeper Craig Gordon, who rejoined Hearts in the summer and who is poised to face his old Team in the Scottish Cup Final on December 20, also makes his comeback for his country and is one of three shotstoppers named by Clarke.

The match in Belgrade is the opportunity for the Scots to win through to the final  stages of a major tournament since they reached the World Cup Finals in France in 1998.

After that vital encounter, they then take on Slovakia and Israel away from home in Nations League Group B3, which they currently lead.

FULL SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS

Marshall (Derby County), McLaughlin (Rangers), Gordon (Hearts);

DEFENDERS

Considine (Aberdeen), Gallagher (Motherwell), Hanley (Norwich City), McKena (Nottingham Forest), Cooper (Leeds), O’Donnell (Motherwell), Palmer (Sheffield Wed), Robertson (Liverpool), Tierney (Arsenal), Taylor (Celtic);

MIDFIELDERS

Christie and McGregor (both Celtic), McTominay (Manchester United), Armstrong (Southampton), Jack (Rangers), McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City);

FORWARDS

Griffiths (Celtic), Dykes (QPR), Fraser (Newcastle), Burke (Sheffield United), McBurnie (Sheffield United), Shankland (Dundee United). Paterson (Cardiff City).