Matteo calls time on international career

Leeds and Scotland defender Dominic Matteo has decided to retire from international football because of injury problems.

Leeds and Scotland defender Dominic Matteo has decided to retire from international football because of injury problems.

Matteo, who had been included in the Berti Vogts' Scotland for next Wednesday's friendly against the Republic of Ireland at Hampden Park, had an operation on a knee injury earlier this season and has only recently returned to action with Leeds.

The 28-year-old Dumfries-born defender won six caps for Scotland, making his international debut against Australia under Craig Brown in 2000.

Matteo, named Leeds captain at the start of the season following the departure of Rio Ferdinand, had his knee operation in October after Leeds' goalless draw at Aston Villa.

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He was sidelined for three months and made his first-team comeback in the FA Cup third-round tie at Scunthorpe.