Thompson declines Scotland chance

Celtic midfielder Alan Thompson insists he will not play for Scotland even if England continue to snub him.

The former Aston Villa man was tipped for inclusion in an England squad this season because of a dearth of genuine left-footers.

But that has yet to happen and new FIFA rules appeared to have opened the door for the former England Under-21 international to switch his allegiances to Scotland, his home since September 2000.

Thompson revealed he was flattered by the link but explained why it would never happen.

He told the News of the World: “I’m hugely honoured to have been linked with Scotland.

“It was an unexpected development and no-one was more surprised than me. I’m flattered that Berti Vogts and so many Scottish fans seemed to want me to represent them.

“But after giving the matter serious consideration I have decided it would be wrong of me to turn out for Scotland.

“I don’t understand or agree with those rules. I am an Englishman and was proud to win two caps for the under-21s.

“That should be the end of the story. I don’t believe players should be able to represent countries they have no real link with.

“I love Scotland and enjoy living here. My baby girl Saffron was born here last week.

“If I discovered I had some blood link to Scotland such as a grandfather it might have been different but all my relatives are English and that’s the bottom line.”