Scotland striker Che Adams has explained why he was given permission by Steve Clarke to miss the Nations League fixtures earlier this month.
The 28-year-old was named in Steve Clarke’s squad for the double-header with Poland and Portugal, before withdrawing due to a hip injury.
Reports at the time suggested that Adams had asked to be left out of the squad to give him more time to settle into his new life in Italy, following a summer move to Serie A side Torino from Southampton on a three-year deal. Further fuel was added to the fire when the striker played 90 minutes in Torino's first game after the international break against Lecce.
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Clarke says striker never asked to be withdrawn from Scotland squad
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Scotland striker Che Adams joins Torino after leaving Southampton
Adams has spoken out for the first time to quell such rumours, telling the Daily Record: "That is something I need to clear up. After the Venezia game, I felt my hip. I had an issue with my hip flexor. It was an injury where if I had joined up with Scotland, I wouldn’t have been of any use to anyone, if I am being honest.
"I spoke to Steve and he agreed it was the right decision to pull out. It was the best decision not to go to make sure I was okay for my next [domestic] games and then this next [Scotland] camp.
“It also wouldn’t have been fair for me to go to the squad if I wasn’t fit. We have a number of good strikers.
"Lyndon Dykes has done a great job for the national team and Lawrence Shankland had an amazing campaign last season. These guys all deserve playing time as well."
