Ryan Fraser has earned his first international call-up in almost a year ahead of Scotland's latest round of Nations League fixtures. The Newcastle United winger had been overlooked for the last two squads after his controversial decision to withdraw in November last year.
Fraser has been named in the 25-man squad for the Nations League clash with Republic of Ireland and two encounters with Ukraine. The former Bournemouth star will now be hoping to add to his 22 caps, having seemingly been frozen out of the fold by Steve Clarke not so long ago.
The Scotland boss did not hide his displeasure when Fraser withdrew from international duty in November last year citing a calf injury, only to be pictured in training with the Magpies. Clarke hinted the 28-year-old would likely not receive another call-up anytime soon as a result.
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Speaking in December last year, Clarke told reporters: "He wasn’t involved through his own choice in the November games. To be honest I don’t think we missed him.
"I thought the team was good in both games so Ryan could have his work cut out to be back in the squad. That’s just the nature of the competition for places. It’s not a squad that you want to give up your place in lightly.”
Without naming Fraser directly, Clarke then went on to explain why international team-mate Lyndon Dykes was the 'type of player' he wanted involved. The QPR striker had joined in training despite 'clearly' being injured, and expressed his wish to travel with the squad to watch their World Cup qualifier victory in Moldova.
Fraser's availability was then discussed once again in March, with the Magpies winger left at home for friendlies against Austria and Poland. The former West Brom boss confirmed Fraser was now back in contention for selection once again after apologising for his decision to withdraw.
Clarke told reporters: " Ryan has apologised for that situation. I had a good chat with him but I've decided not to pick him in this camp.
"We've agreed that Ryan's club form will determine whether he's involved in the next camps. Basically it's down to Ryan on how he performs for his club."
Following a difficult start to his career on Tyneside, Fraser became a regular starter during Newcastle's revival in the second-half of last season. Injury and the form of Miguel Almiron saw the winger begin the latest campaign out of the side, but he has started the last two Premier League fixtures and has now done enough to force his way back into the Scotland squad.
When asked about Fraser's return to the fold, Clarke told Football Scotland : "There's no real process with Ryan. I said in March, when he missed the two friendly matches, we had a chat.
"Ryan wasn't playing for Newcastle at the time. I said at the time, if he is fit and playing well for Newcastle, he's definitely one that we have to consider for selection. That's why he's in the squad this time, because he's fit and available and playing well for Newcastle."
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