Celtic's Kris Commons ends Scotland career

Celtic midfielder Kris Commons has retired from international football.

His club's website states the 29-year-old, who scored twice in his 12 games for Scotland, wishes "to concentrate on his family and on club football".

Commons said: "I have enjoyed my time immensely with the Scotland team and it was a very proud moment every time I pulled on the Scotland shirt."

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan has accepted the player's reasons and has wished him well.

Commons added: "I have thought about this decision for some time.

"At this stage of my career I just want to give Celtic my 100% commitment and ensure I can prolong my club career as long as possible.

"I also want to give my young family more attention, something I have not been able to do for some time.

"Neil Lennon had spoken to Gordon in person a while back and I was really pleased to speak to Gordon today.

"I am on very good terms with him and I wish him and the Scotland team all the very best for the future. I am sure Gordon will do a great job."

Strachan, who left Commons out of his squad to face Croatia on 7 June, said: "I spoke to Kris tonight and understand his family considerations. I wish him the best of luck for the future."

Commons was often omitted from Scotland squads under Strachan's predecessor, Craig Levein, a decision he once called "baffling".

Despite playing well for Celtic in the Scottish Premier League and in the Champions League, he did not make Levein's original squad for the World Cup qualifiers in Wales and Belgium last autumn, but was then called up - and played in both matches - when Robert Snodgrass, Jordan Rhodes and Steven Naismith were unavailable.

Born in Mansfield and qualifying for Scotland through a Scots-born grandmother, he was given his international debut by George Burley as a second-half sub in a 0-0 draw against Northern Ireland in 2008 while a Derby County player.