Scotland manager Alex McLeish has snubbed Leeds star Liam Cooper for the March internationals in a completely unfounded move.
The Whites captain’s absence from the squad to face Kazakhstan and San Marino means Cooper’s wait for a maiden senior call-up will have to continue, as the 27-year-old has still only represented his country at youth level – coming close to a decade ago.
In McLeish’s squad, though, is Blackburn Rovers crocked defender Charlie Mulgrew, who was forced off after 72 minutes at the weekend when he suffered a hamstring injury against Preston North End.
Even a fully fit Mulgrew would be undeserving of a spot in Scotland’s squad over Cooper when you look at the pair’s respective stats for the Championship this term.
Both have been regular members of their corresponding sides, and yet our man has eclipsed his elder countryman for tackles made, interceptions, and aerial duels by close to double in each account.
Scotland’s loss is our gain, though, as the break will give Cooper a chance to rest rather than risk developing an injury that could derail our promotion efforts.