Matt Ritchie: I thought Scotland boss was a prank caller

MATT RITCHIE thought his Scotland call-up was a wind-up.

Matt RitchieGETTY

Matt Ritchie could make his debut for Scotland next week

The Bournemouth winger has been selected for next Wednesday’s friendly with Northern Ireland and the following Sunday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Gibraltar.

The 25-year-old, who has never set foot in Scotland, qualifies through his Edinburgh-born father.

But Ritchie, who was born in Gosport, Hampshire, initially believed that a pal was pretending to be Gordon Strachan on the phone.

He said: “I had a call a couple of weeks ago from the manager.   It was a massive surprise and at first I thought it was a prank.  

“Gordon said he had been watching and that he’d like me to join up with the squad. 

“I am delighted to be involved. It’s a proud moment for me and my family. It would be a dream come true to pull on a Scotland shirt. 

“To be in and around the squad with the quality they have will be a great experience and a real stepping stone in my career.

“There is a lot of hard work to be done.  

“I am just excited to play with players of the calibre of Darren Fletcher, who had years at Manchester United. Training with these guys can only help me.  

“It is a great achievement and a dream come true as a young footballer.

“If I can play and make an impact it would be great. 

“I don’t know what to expect but I will give my all. Hopefully, I can fit in the way the manager hopes. I know a few lads from playing against them.”

One Scottish player he knows is Robert Snodgrass, but the Hull star is currently sidelined with a long-term injury. 

“He plays in a similar way and position. I admire him from afar,” added Ritchie, who has 11 goals for Championship leaders Bournemouth this season. 

Blackburn’s Jordan Rhodes, Fulham’s Ross McCormack and Celtic’s James Forrest return to Scotland’s squad. Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong were overlooked by Strachan.

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