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John Souttar has represented Scotland Under-21s

Scotland have named uncapped John Souttar in their squad for next month's matches against Belgium and Albania.

Souttar, 21, is one of six defenders selected with Hearts team-mate Christophe Berra and Aberdeen's Scott McKenna unavailable through injury.

Manager Alex Mcleish said: "He is a good young player.

"He now has the captain's armband at Hearts and his form has been pretty assured, so I thought it was time to give a crack at coming into the squad."

World Cup semi-finalists Belgium take on Scotland next Friday, with Nations League opening opponents Albania next up on 10 September, both games being at Hampden Park.

McLeish's squad includes 13 players who missed out on end-of-season friendlies in Peru and Mexico, with 10 dropping out.

Versatile Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie, Kilmarnock right-back Stephen O'Donnell and Sporting Kansas City forward Johnny Russell are among those retaining their places after featuring in those defeats.

Celtic players were rested for the summer trip, but Craig Gordon, Jack Hendry, Kieran Tierney, James Forrest, Callum McGregor and Leigh Griffiths all return to the international set-up.

Fulham midfielders Tom Cairney and Kevin McDonald are also back in the squad, as is Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser, who last featured for Scotland in March.

Midfielder Scott McTominay, who made his breakthrough into the squad earlier in 2018, retains his place despite only having made on substitute appearance for Manchester United so far this season.

West Ham United's Robert Snodgrass and Newcastle United's Matt Ritchie are not included, while fellow midfielder James McArthur has made himself unavailable for Scotland until the new year as he attempts to manage a back injury.

McLeish says the door remains open for the Crystal Palace 30-year-old to return to the international set-up.

"He did not put any date on a possible return, but he has not hung up his boots for Scotland," McLeish said.

"I like James and he is a terrific player, so I am disappointed to lose him, but it was a personal decision because he has had problems with his back he feels make it difficult for him to play for club and country."

However, McLeish added: "If we hit a winning formula without him, it will be difficult for anybody to get back in."

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Jordan Archer (Millwall), Craig Gordon (Celtic), Allan McGregor (Rangers)

Defenders: Jack Hendry (Celtic), Charlie Mulgrew (Blackburn Rovers), Stephen O'Donnell (Kilmarnock), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), Graeme Shinnie (Aberdeen), John Souttar (Heart of Midlothian), Kieran Tierney (Celtic).

Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong (Southampton), Tom Cairney (Fulham), James Forrest (Celtic), Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth), Kevin McDonald (Fulham), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Scott McTominay (Manchester United), Callum Paterson (Cardiff City).

Forwards: Leigh Griffiths (Celtic), Oli McBurnie (Swansea City), Matt Phillips (West Bromwich Albion), Johnny Russell (Sporting Kansas City).