Ryan Fraser: Pundit can’t believe ‘surprising’ Newcastle star development
Newcastle United will be glad Ryan Fraser has not been called up by Scotland for the next round of international fixtures.
That’s according to former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after the “surprising” news.
Fraser, 28, was not selected by Steve Clarke for Scotland’s upcoming international games despite his impressive form.
The winger was nominated for February’s Premier League Player of the Month award.
However, he turned down a call up in late 2021, for which Clarke, as quoted by Sky Sports (15 March), claimed Fraser has apologised for.
Kenny has slammed Clarke for holding Fraser’s past decisions behind him.
“That news is a bit surprising, to be honest,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“He’s been brilliant. He made that decision last time, he felt he wasn’t fit and footballers know their own bodies.
“So I think it’s poor that they are holding that against him, that’s not on. He’s had injury issues in the past.
“It looks like he has made the right decision as well because he has had a really strong run in that Newcastle side.
“His form has been very, very good and you would think Scotland want him there.
“Newcastle will be at the club, he can have a few days off if he needs them.
“That will then give him the platform to have a really good end to the season which is what everyone wants.”
Fraser has scored two goals and registered two assists in 16 games under Eddie Howe this season.
He has made 47 total appearances for the club.
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