'He's not available' - Leeds United captain Liam Cooper left out of latest Scotland squad

Leeds United captain Liam Cooper has been left out of the Scotland squad for the upcoming March international break.

The Tartan Army take on Austria, Israel and the Faroe Islands later this month as Steve Clarke's side begin their World Cup qualifying campaign for Qatar 2022.

Cooper was missing from United's 0-0 Premier League draw with Chelsea at Elland Road last weekend, with Marcelo Bielsa citing illness as the reason for his absence.

He has now also missed out on a place in the upcoming Scotland squad, who he has represented on five occasions previously, with Clarke stating he wasn't able to select him.

"He's not available for the games," Clarke told Sky Sports.

"I spoke to Liam. He could maybe have been available for the third game but it's not going to happen. We had a good chat about it and decided to go with the ones I've picked."

The Whites skipper has made 21 starts for Leeds in the top flight this term and has been one of the club's top performers amid injuries in defence.

Cooper was also part of the team who helped end 23 years of hurt for Scotland as they qualified for this summer's European Championships - their first major tournament since 1998 - to set up a group stage meeting with England.