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United pair back in Scotland squad
Written by Dan King
Matt Ritchie and Grant Hanley have been named in the Scotland squad to face Lithuania and Malta next month.
The Newcastle pair missed the last game for Gordon Strachan's side, against England at Hampden Park in June, due to injury.
Scotland gained a 2-2 draw thanks to two fine free kicks from Leigh Griffiths and know that positive results in their next two qualifiers will be a huge boost to their hopes of reaching next summer's World Cup.
Strachan's side travel to Lithuania on Friday, 1st September before hosting Malta at Hampden Park three days later.
Ritchie has started both of Newcastle's Premier League games so far this season but Hanley has yet to feature for Rafa Benítez's side this term.
The full Scotland squad for their double-header is: Jordan Archer (Millwall), Craig Gordon (Celtic), Allan McGregor (Hull City), Ikechi Anya (Derby County), Christophe Berra (Heart of Midlothian), Grant Hanley (Newcastle United), Russell Martin (Norwich City), Charlie Mulgrew (Blackburn Rovers), Andrew Robertson (Liverpool), Kieran Tierney (Celtic), Steven Whittaker (Hibernian), Stuart Armstrong (Celtic), Barry Bannan (Sheffield Wednesday), Scott Brown (Celtic), Tom Cairney (Fulham), Darren Fletcher (Stoke City), Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth), James Forrest (Celtic), James McArthur (Crystal Palace), John McGinn (Hibernian), Matt Phillips (West Bromwich Albion), Matt Ritchie (Newcastle United), Robert Snodgrass (West Ham United), Steven Fletcher (Sheffield Wednesday), Leigh Griffiths (Celtic), Chris Martin (Derby County), Steven Naismith (Norwich City).