Courtesy of SNS

By Joe James

Scotland’s Robert Snodgrass has today announced his international retirement after 28 caps over the span of seven years.

The 32-year-old took to Instagram to post a heartfelt message, calling time on his duties with Scotland and thanking supporters for giving him the opportunity ‘to live my childhood dream.’

‘There’s been many highs throughout my international career which I’ll always remember with fondness, including my debut against Northern Ireland, winning two international player of the year awards, and my hat-trick in Malta.’

The attacking midfielder, who scored seven goals in a Scotland shirt, feels that following Scotland’s resounding 6-0 win over San Marino at Hampden on Sunday it is now the perfect time for him to make way for Scotland’s next batch of young players.

‘It’s now time for me to step aside, though, and retire from the Scotland National Team and let the boys and younger players take my place and hopefully push the squad forward.’

Since making his debut in 2011, Snodgrass has been a fan favourite due to his direct style of play and dangerous delivery from set-pieces, but Scotland supporter, Lewis Scott, who has not missed a Scotland game for five years, feels it will be his positive influence within the dressing room that will be missed the most though.

Scotland supporter, Lewis Scott, with Snodgrass

“I do think Snodgrass’s presence will be missed because he seems like a popular guy within the squad.

“I think it’s about time he retired though,” the 20-year-old Tartan Army member added.

“I just don’t think his performances have been up to scratch for some time now and there’s a lot of young players coming through who will happily take his place.”

Snodgrass’s representatives, Sports Management International, praised their client, tweeting ‘we are really proud of what you have achieved with Scotland.’

Adding: ‘I’m sure the thousands of messages you get will show you how important you always will be to your country.’