Steven Fletcher has revealed it was his decision to avoid playing in Scotland ’s double-header.
National team boss Alex McLeish had suggested it was Sheffield Wednesday boss Steve Bruce’s call to withdraw the striker from the squad to face Kazakhstan and San Marino.
Eyebrows were raised when McLeish announced two weeks Fletcher would not be named in his group for the Euro 2020 qualifiers due to a knee injury – only for the veteran striker to score for Wednesday later that night.
The Scotland manager then claimed Fletcher’s club manager had asked for his player not to be included as he was managing the injury.
But Fletcher has now set the record straight by insisting it was his decision.
The 31-year-old said: "I am passionate about playing for my country and I made the decision with a very heavy heart.
"With the knee injury I had, it held me back for a long time, and I couldn't take a chance on aggravating it again.
"It would just put me back to square one again."
McLeish’s second time in charge has been beset by withdrawals and retirements.
Allan McGregor announced the night before the squad was announced he no longer wished to be considered for selection.
