Leigh Griffiths given time by Scotland

Steve Clarke manager wants to give striker Leigh Griffiths more time before recalling him to the national team squad. The Celtic striker has scored three goals in eight games for his club this term after spending six months away from football dealing with personal issues.

Griffiths is still working towards full fitness and Clarke is preaching a patient approach in terms of his Scotland recall.

The striker, who won his last cap against Albania almost a year ago, has scored four goals in his past seven internationals, but Clarke is willing to allow him more time to get up to full speed. “We should just give him a little more time,” said Clarke.

“He’s come a long way in a short space of time after a very difficult spell in his life. A fully fit and firing, sharp Leigh Griffiths will always be good for us.”

The upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers with Russia and Belgium come too soon for Griffiths but Clarke has recalled experienced duo Steve Naismith and Robert Snodgrass. West Ham playmaker Snodgrass has not featured since a friendly loss to Belgium 12 months ago but Clarke said the 31-year-old was ‘very keen’ to resume playing after his international hiatus.

Naismith, seeking his 50th cap, has not played a full 90 minutes for Hearts so far this season but he adds to Clarke’s midfield options, alongside recalled Ryan Jack of Rangers and Celtic’s Ryan Christie. “We are good in midfield, lots of options,” said Clarke. “If I’ve got everyone there, I’ve got tough decisions to make but that’s better than making easy decisions.”