Wallace accepts Scotland axe

Lee Wallace: Accepts Craig Levein's decision not to select him for Australia game

Rangers left-back Lee Wallace has expressed disappointment at losing his Scotland place but has refused to criticise manager Craig Levein.

Wallace has been overlooked for Wednesday's friendly against Australia following his decision to stay at Ibrox despite the club now playing in the fourth-tier of Scottish football.

But the former Hearts player cannot disagree with Levein's assertion that the drop in standard of opposition will make it more difficult to adapt to international football.

"I do buy into the fact that when you're playing in the Third Division, you're going to be a bit off the level and the standard required. I agree with that."
Lee Wallace Quotes of the week

Levein has since called up another Rangers player, Ian Black, as back-up but had previously stated that playing in the Third Division made will make it more difficult to select players.

Wallace told Rangers' official website: "I'm a bit disappointed not to have been called in but that's just life. I'll take it on the chin and if I'm not involved, I'm not involved.

"I'm a Rangers player so I'm coming in here and getting on with my job as normal. That's the way I look at it.

"I was happy enough to be involved in the trip at the end of last season, albeit I was called in as a reserve which isn't always great.

"If you're called upon, you get on with your job and that's what I did. I'm disappointed but that's as far as it goes and I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.

Respect

"I've got respect for the manager and I'm never going to come out and say anything against him. I don't know how he is thinking.

"I think within the Scotland camp he has done well to get the team spirit which has been shown going over the last 18 months.

"I do buy into the fact that when you're playing in the Third Division, you're going to be a bit off the level and the standard required. I agree with that."

The 25-year-old added: "What has happened over the last couple of days with Ian going in is the manager's decision and I'll respect that.

"There's disappointment but I wish Blackie all the best for his first cap and his first call into the Scotland squad."

Asked about his future international prospects, Wallace said: "I don't know about that really. After what has happened in the last couple of days, I do question that.

"But just now, for me, it's all about Rangers. That's how I'm approaching things and we've got a massive season ahead on this adventure of ours.

"I'll enjoy coming in here to train as I do and I want to help the club try to move forward."