MICHAEL STEWART has blasted the Scotland set-up and in-particular the Scotland manager for their handling of star striker Leigh Griffiths.

The Celtic frontman yesterday pulled out of the Scotland squad to focus on his fitness and get into shape for Celtic’s next phase of the season.

The decision seems to have been an easy one for the striker after the way he was treated last month during the international break.

Michael Stewart has had a go at McLeish for putting Griffiths out to do a ‘thankless’ task against third-placed World Cup stars Belgium and immediately dropping him for the game against Albania.

Speaking to Sportsound Stewart let rip.

“Leigh Griffiths is for me, our number one striker and I can understand why he was annoyed.

“The game against Belgium was a thankless task. He’s playing up front on his own against the second best team in the world at that point and then he gets dropped for the Albania game.

“I don’t understand how you can be so frustrated you drop him for the Albania when you know there’s going to be lots of chances. There’s no long term strategic planning thinking dropping him after that one game.

“This is clearly off the back of the Belgium game where I am led to believe Griffiths was absolutely hammered in the changing room by the staff.”

After the Scotland snub, Leigh went on to score three goals in three games for Celtic and his frustration turned to celebration when he declared he was number one.

McLeish told the media last month that since the last international break, the Celtic striker has been ignoring his phone calls.

Good.