Robert Snodgrass has announced his decision to retire from international football - little more than a month after he regained his place in the Scotland squad.
The 31-year-old Hammer had been in the international wilderness prior to the appointment of current national coach Steve Clarke appointment, having requested not to be selected during predecessor Alex McLeish's reign.Yet having made just two appearances under Clarke, against Belgium and Russia in September, Snodgrass has announced that he no longer wishes to be considered for selection.
"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to live my childhood dream," Snodgrass wrote via Instagram. "It's been such a special feeling pulling on that Scotland jersey since I was 16 years old.
"There's been many highs which I'll always remember with fondness, including my debut against Northern Ireland, winning two international player of the year awards and my hat-trick in Malta.
"It's now the right time for me to step aside though and let the boys and younger players take my place and hopefully push the squad forward.
"I want to thank the Tartan Army especially for their special support you’ve showed me over the years. I will never forget this.
"A massive thank you also goes to everyone at the SFA for looking after me since I was a young boy - including managers, coaches, staff, physios, massage therapists, kit men and media staff I’ve worked with over the years.
"I will now watch as a fan and I hope to see us play at a major tournament again soon - fingers crossed the boys do it come March."
Snodgrass made a total of 28 appearances for Scotland since making his debut eight years ago in 2011.
He was due to make his 29th against San Marino last weekend - a game that the Scots won comfortably, running out 6-0 victors - but withdrew from the squad having sustained a minor calf injury.
The winger will now turn his full attention to continuing his club career with West Ham, for whom he has made just one Premier League start so far this season.
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