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Kris Boyd says Scotland are going backwards under Alex McLeish

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Kris Boyd feels Scotland are going backwards under Alex McLeish

Kris Boyd says Scotland have gone backwards under manager Alex McLeish and claims some players no longer want to play for their country.

McLeish was reappointed as Scottish boss in February after Gordon Strachan stepped down, signing a two-year contract.

He has lost six of the opening eight games of his second spell and encountered a number of withdrawals for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.

Boyd says some experienced players feel they are "wasting their time".

24/07/18 BETFRED CUP H. SPARTANS V KILMARNOCK (0-3) . AINSLIE PARK - EDINBURGH. Kris Boyd in action for Kilmarnock
Image: Boyd won 18 caps for Scotland, scoring seven goals

"The big problem for Alex right now is the amount of call-offs, people not wanting to turning up," Boyd told The Debate.

"I was one of the first at the start to say I didn't think Gordon should have went at the time. The squad was healthy, there was competition for places like what England have right now.

"People were turning up with a smile on their face, enjoying it. Now there are people pulling out left, right and centre, which is a worry.

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Image: Scotland face Albania and Israel in their final two UEFA Nations League fixtures

"When you get close to qualifying for a major competition, like towards the end with Gordon, a lot of players believed this long wait could be over. You always want to be part of that, to hopefully get on the plane if you qualify.

"It has gone backwards since Gordon left. The ageing players are like, 'why would I want to go because I'm just wasting my time'. They can go and spend it with their family and enjoy the time away from football. That's worrying.

Live UEFA Nations League

"I don't see a lot of youngsters coming through either. What there is is a lot of inexperienced players aged 24 to 26, picking up their first caps."

Scotland are away to Albania on Saturday and host Israel three days later at Hampden Park, with both games live on Sky Sports Main Event.

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