Monday 1 October 2018 14:52, UK
Tom Cairney has not been included in Alex McLeish's Scotland squad to face Israel and Portugal later this month.
Cairney, who has only featured in friendlies for the national side and remains linked with a switch to England, returned to club action for Fulham last weekend as a substitute following an injury lay-off.
When asked about Cairney's absence, McLeish said: "We contacted Fulham and we were told he wouldn't be available. He only played 20 minutes and it's nothing sinister.
"Whenever Tom is in the squad he's integrated with the squad brilliantly. We would expect him to prolong his Scottish career."
Scott McKenna, Jack Hendry, John McLaughlin and Oli McBurnie have been recalled to the side.
Scotland will be in Israel on 11 October for a Nations League match as they look to follow up their 2-0 home win over Albania in their opener.
They will then host Portugal in a friendly at Hampden Park on Sunday October 14. Both games will be shown live on Sky Sports.
Last month, the Scottish FA opted to remain at Hampden Park rather than move to Murrayfield, the Edinburgh stadium that is home to Scotland's national rugby team, and McLeish is hopeful of justifying that decision with an improved atmosphere when his side play at home.
"Murrayfield is a sensational set-up but if we can improve Hampden to satisfy everybody and make it a really good atmosphere, because when it is full it can be absolutely fantastic. That is what the next challenge is," McLeish added.
Scotland squad to face Israel and Portugal:
Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon, Allan McGregor, Jon McLaughlin
Defenders: Jack Hendry, Scott McKenna, Charlie Mulgrew, Stephen O'Donnell, Andy Robertson, Graeme Shinnie, John Souttar, Kieran Tierney.
Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong, James Forrest, Ryan Fraser, Kevin McDonald, John McGinn, Callum McGregor, Scott McTominay, Robert Snodgrass.
Forwards: Leigh Griffiths, Oli McBurnie, Steven Naismith, Johnny Russell.
