Matt Ritchie says his family were ‘over the moon’ when he told them he’d been called into the Scotland squad for the games against Northern Ireland and Gibraltar.

The Bournemouth midfielder - who was born in Gosport - qualifies for the national team through his Edinburgh-born father, Alex.

Speaking to the Scottish FA, Ritchie described the call-up to Gordon Strachan’s national team as an honour: “I’m delighted. It’s a proud moment for both me and my family. I can’t wait to join up with the squad next week.

“My Dad is over the moon. Hopefully he’ll be able to come to the games and watch me if I’m involved.”

The 25-year-old has been a stand-out performer for Bournemouth this season scoring 11 goals from 35 games, form which has helped propel his side to the top of the English Championship and caught the eye of Gordon Strachan.

Ritchie said: “The (Scotland) manager gave me a call and mentioned that I was in his thoughts. He just told me to concentrate on my form and thankfully I’ve been able to do that.”

“Scotland have some top players and hopefully I can fit in nicely. It’s a tough group but we’re playing well and I hope to play a part in getting us through to the Euros.”

Previous to joining Bournemouth, Ritchie spent time at Portsmouth, Dagenham & Redbridge, Notts County and Swindon Town - where he played alongside a current Scotland squad member:

“I know Gordon Greer from our time at Swindon Town. Gordon is a great player and good leader. I’ve also played against a lot of the boys in the Championship."

Scotland squad to face Northern Ireland and Gibraltar

Goalkeepers
Craig Gordon (Celtic)
David Marshall (Cardiff City)
Allan McGregor (Hull City)

Defenders
Christophe Berra (Ipswich Town)
Craig Forsyth (Derby County)
Gordon Greer (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Alan Hutton (Aston Villa)
Russell Martin (Norwich City)
Mark Reynolds (Aberdeen)
Andrew Robertson (Hull City)
Steven Whittaker (Norwich City)

Midfielder
Ikechi Anya (Watford)
Barry Bannan (Bolton Wanderers)
Scott Brown (Celtic)
Darren Fletcher (West Bromwich Albion)
James Forrest (Celtic)
Shaun Maloney (Chicago Fire)
James McArthur (Crystal Palace)
James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion)
Matt Ritchie (Bournemouth)
Johnny Russell (Derby County)

Forwards
Steven Fletcher (Sunderland)
Steven May (Sheffield Wednesday)
Ross McCormack (Fulham)
Steven Naismith (Everton)
Jordan Rhodes (Blackburn Rovers)