Scotland: Motherwell's Declan Gallagher deserves call, says Steven Reid

Declan Gallagher has enjoyed a good start to the season with Motherwell

Declan Gallagher has earned his Scotland call up after "rebuilding his career" following a spell in jail, insists national coach Steven Reid.

The defender was sentenced to three years in prison in June 2015 for severe assault in Blantyre, Lanarkshire.

He has now been brought in for Euro 2020 qualifiers with Russia and San Marino after helping Motherwell to third in the Scottish Premiership.

"I know he's spoken in the past about his remorse," said Reid.

"He has rebuilt his career if you like and you have to give him some credit for that as well. He had to go away, take a look at himself, his lifestyle and he has been given a second chance.

"These opportunities don't come around too often for him so it is great that he is involved. He trained this morning, trained well so looking forward to working with him this week."

Steve Clarke's side face Russia in Moscow on Thursday before hosting San Marino at Hampden on Sunday in Euro 2020 qualifying.

Scotland's group hopes are bleak, but a play-off semi-final is already secured.

Last week, Kilmarnock defender Stuart Findlay replaced Liam Cooper after the Leeds United captain picked up a groin injury, while Gallagher, 28, was called up on Sunday as Grant Hanley and Ryan Jack pulled out.

When asked if this could open the door for either player, Reid added: "Possibly.

"Obviously in that department we have been hit hard with injuries so yes, it could be the opportunity to look at one or two."