October 29 2018

James McArthur

Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur has retired from international football in order to lengthen his club career.

The 31-year-old Scotland star has suffered with a number of niggling injuries in recent times and wants to ensure his body has enough rest and recovery in order to help Palace in the Premier League.

McArthur last turned out for the Scots almost exactly a year ago against Slovenia in their unsuccessful qualifying campaign for the summer's World Cup in Russia.

The Glasgow-born player made his Scotland debut in 2010 and earned 32 caps with the most memorable of his four goals coming against then-world champions Germany.

"It is with much regret that I feel the time has arrived for me to retire from international football," said McArthur. "I have been part of the Scotland setup for the last 10 years and I am extremely proud to have been selected to represent my country on 32 occasions.

"I have found it increasingly difficult over the last year to manage a number of physical issues. I have debated long and hard about this decision and I feel the only way for me to be able to maintain my fitness in order to continue to play at the top level is to retire from international football.

"I would like to thank all the coaches, staff and fellow players with whom I have shared my Scotland career – it has been an honour. I wish Alex McLeish and his team every success in the future."

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