Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur has rejected to opportunity to play for Scotland in order to complete recovery for a back injury.

Alex McLeish's men have two friendlies against Belgium and Albania next month. However, McArthur asked not to be selected for the squad. And McLeish has supported the decision.

"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," McLeish said.

"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."