Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall announces retirement from international football

David Marshall has decided to retire from international football, drawing a line under a Scotland career that saw him help the national team to a first major finals in 23 years.

The goalkeeper saved the penalty against Serbia that saw Scotland qualify for Euro 2020, ending a long exile from the top level of the game.

After the sides had drawn 1-1 in normal time and through an additional 30 minutes, a penalty shoot-out was needed to see who would reach the finals.

Scotland scored all five of their spot-kicks and Marshall dived to save from Aleksandar Mitrovic, sparking huge celebrations from the players on the park and from fans across Scotland.

Marshall’s retirement was announced by the Scottish FA, who thanked him for his efforts after he earned 47 caps over 17 years.

The 37-year-old will continue to play at club level, having only recently joined Scottish Premiership side Hibernian.

“I have thought long and hard about it since the disappointment of losing to Ukraine,” Marshall told the Scottish Football Association. “I love playing for my country and the experience of helping the team to a major tournament has been the highlight of my career.

“I have memories of playing for Scotland that will last a lifetime but I also know what it is like as a young goalkeeper to have the opportunity.

“That was the overriding factor in my decision: Liam Kelly and Zander Clark have been involved in recent squads for a while now and it is important that they can benefit from the experience of supporting Craig as No.1.

“The more I thought about it since the weekend, the more I was convinced it was the right thing to do before we start the Nations League campaign.”

Marshall, who made his debut for Scotland in 2004 against Hungary, began his club career at Celtic and continued to be part of the Scotland set-up after moving to England, where he played for Norwich City, Hull City, Cardiff City, Wigan, Derby and QPR.

Though the hero of the play-off against Serbia, and the number one in Euro 2020 group stage games against Czech Republic, England and Croatia, Marshall lost his place in Steve Clarke’s side after falling out of favour with his club.

The news comes as Scotland prepare for their Nations League opening game against Armenia on Wednesday night and Marshall’s contributions to the side are likely to be acknowledged by the Tartan Army at the national stadium.

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