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Alex McLeish has Scotland players' support, says Stuart Armstrong

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Stuart Armstrong insists Scotland manager Alex McLeish has the backing of the squad

Scotland midfielder Stuart Armstrong says Alex McLeish has the backing of all the players despite their recent run of poor results.

McLeish's men are preparing for UEFA Nations League games against Albania and Israel, both live on Sky Sports, following consecutive defeats against Portugal and Israel.

The manager has won just two of his first eight matches in charge but Armstrong is confident McLeish will turn their form around.

"We're all behind him and I think what would show that the best are performances and results," he said.

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"We certainly have the belief. The performance last time out (against Portugal) wasn't great and everyone knows that, so it's up to us to turn that around and put in a good performance".

Scotland were booed off the pitch following their defeat against Israel last month and Armstrong has no complaints.

"Criticism is part of football," he added. "It is always going to be there and it always will be there when things aren't going the way we want them to and the fans want them to.

"We only have ourselves to blame in that respect. It was a poor performance and something we won't want to repeat again."

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Steven Fletcher admits it is his final chance to achieve something with Scotland, but says the future is bright with the next crop of young players.

Armstrong moved from Celtic to Southampton in the summer signing a four-year contract and he believes it was the right move at the right time.

"As an individual, I wanted something new, a new challenge," he said. "If I hadn't taken that opportunity I would have regretted it.

"I grew up watching a lot of the Premier League and it's something I dreamt about as a young player and wanted to be a part of it. It is something I am very happy to be experiencing right now.

"I wouldn't say I miss Scottish football. I miss the boys and when I come back to the international team it's great to see them again and I really enjoy being home."

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