Scotland coach Peter Grant insists there's "no issue" between the national boss and Leigh Griffiths after the striker pulled out of his latest squad.

Griffiths withdrew from Alex McLeish's party to face Israel and Portugal, saying "I need to focus on my fitness".

After being dropped to the bench against Albania last month, he had described it as a "kick in the teeth".

"He's is definitely not in the huff," Grant said. "There's 100% not an issue."

Griffiths, who has scored four international goals in 19 appearances, started Celtic's 6-0 thrashing of St Johnstone on Sunday but was replaced with Scott Sinclair 61 minutes into the Scottish Premiership game in Perth.

"We were aware of the situation and he's just being honest," Grant said. "He's had a great conversation with the manager, who he spoken with at length, we've spoken to the club. We all understand the situation.

"Leigh has had his critics, but Alex has never been a critic. He knows what he can do and he knows he's an unbelievable finisher."

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Griffiths stressed he hopes to return to the international set-up if he is chosen.

"It means a lot to me to play for Scotland and I hope to be part of Alex's plans again in future, if selected," Griffiths said.

"I feel that I need to focus on my fitness over this international period and get back into the best possible shape.

"I had a good discussion with the manager to explain my decision. It's not one that I've made lightly.

"My aim is to be back to my best and be available for section for club and country."

Griffiths started last month's friendly defeat by Belgium but was taken off at half-time.

Hearts' Steven Naismith impressed after the break and was preferred as a starter for the opening Nations League win over Albania.

Naismith, Swansea City's Oli McBurnie and Sporting Kansas City's Johnny Russell are the remaining forwards in McLeish's squad for Thursday's Nations League trip to Israel and Sunday's friendly against Portugal.

Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur has made himself unavailable for Scotland duty until the new year as he attempts to manage a back injury.

Revised Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Celtic), Allan McGregor (Rangers), Jon McLaughlin (Sunderland).

Defenders: Jack Hendry (Celtic), Scott McKenna (Aberdeen), Charlie Mulgrew (Blackburn Rovers), Stephen O'Donnell (Kilmarnock), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), Graeme Shinnie (Aberdeen), John Souttar (Heart of Midlothian), Kieran Tierney (Celtic).

Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong (Southampton), James Forrest (Celtic), Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth), Kevin McDonald (Fulham), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Scott McTominay (Manchester United), Robert Snodgrass (West Ham United).

Forwards: Oliver McBurnie (Swansea), Steven Naismith (Heart of Midlothian), Johnny Russell (Sporting Kansas City).

My Scotland team to face Israel

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