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Scotland midfielder McCulloch quits international football

08/09/2008

Rangers and Scotland midfielder Lee McCulloch has announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect.

The 30-year-old spoke to Scotland boss George Burley today in order to clarify his position and said he no longer wanted to be considered for selection by his country.

McCulloch was rumoured to have been involved in a bust-up with Burley, which has resulted in the former Wigan Athletic star being omitted from every one of the international squads since the former Southampton coach took over in January.

However, Burley has publicly denied this rumour and a spokesman for the Scottish Football Association (SFA) reaffirmed this position.

Speaking to the Press Association, the SFA representative confirmed: "Lee told George he has been considering his international future since around about the time of the Italy game [in November 2007].

"He wants to concentrate on club football and getting back to fitness and playing for his club.

"He assured the manager it was nothing personal.

"George thanked him for the call and said if there came a time when he wished to reconsider, he would be happy to speak to him."

In a four-year career with Scotland, McCulloch has made 16 appearances, scoring one goal - the second in the Scots' 3-1 victory over Ukraine at Hampden Park last October.