Scotland manager Alex McLeish has revealed he failed in talks to stop Rangers’ Allan McGregor from retiring from international football as he looks to focus solely on his club career.
The goalkeeper, a mainstay in Steven Gerrard’s side at Ibrox, was on course to be called up for his country’s upcoming European qualifiers but has called an end to his career on the world stage, insisting his desire to keep playing regularly was a huge factor in his decision.
Speaking after the crunch decision was revealed, McLeish revealed he has tried to do what he could to to change the shot stopper’s mind but accepted he knew it was coming.
As quoted at his press conference by Sky Sports news, he said: “It’s obviously a blow for us. He’s been in great form this season for both club and country. I kind of knew this day would come.
“I know that at Hull he had some ailments and problems. It was amicable, he knows his body now, he obviously wants to play as much football as he can. We wanted to help him and I gave him a couple of days to think about and he’s come back with the same answer.”