Steve Clarke has recalled Leigh Griffiths to his Scotland squad to take on Serbia, Slovakia and Israel.
The Celtic striker hasn’t played for his country since September 2018, and hasn’t scored in dark blue since his dramatic 2017 double against England at Hampden.
The former Hibs front man has had a period out of the game due to personal issues since then, and reported back to Celtic duty after lockdown some way off the levels of fitness expected by Neil Lennon.
However, Griffiths has knuckled down and worked hard to get himself back into the fold at Celtic Park.
He has made five Scottish Premiership appearances for the Hoops this season, netting vital goals against st Johnstone and Aberdeen.
And now Scotland hope he is in a position to help fire them to their first major tournament finals in over 20 years when they go to Belgrade.
A win for the Scots would see them qualify for next summer’s delayed Euro 2020 finals, and Calrke could turn to a partnership of Griffiths and in-form Lyndon Dykes in order to make that dream a reality.
"Leigh’s qualities speak for themselves," said Clarke. The goal against Aberdeen shows what he’s got.
"He can give us something. It’s the same with Gordon and Hanley. Experienced players and I’m pleased to have them in the squad for the first time."
Midfielder Ryan Christie is also back in, fresh from his stunning Scottish Cup semi-final opener against the Dons on Sunday.
The former Inverness CT man was forced to pull out of last month’s squad after Southampton and former Celtic teammates Stuart Armstrong tested positive for coronavirus, which meant Christie and another former Celtic favourite Kieran Tierney had to pull out due to being close contacts with Armstrong.
From the other side of Glasgow, Rangers goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin will battle former Celtic stoppers David Marshall and Craig Gordon for the gloves while midfielder Ryan Jack is also included, alongside Celtic’s Callum McGregor.
