Rovers captain Charlie Mulgrew has been withdrawn from the Scotland squad for their qualifiers later this month.

Mulgrew was originally named in Alex McLeish’s roster for games with Kazakhstan (March 21) and San Marino (March 24).

Despite missing Rovers’ last two matches, after picking up a hamstring injury in the defeat to Preston on March 9, national team boss McLeish said he had been assured the 33-year-old would be available.

However, boss Tony Mowbray had stressed Mulgrew wouldn’t be released and would instead use the international break to get fit ahead of Rovers’ trip to Aston Villa on March 30.

The set piece specialist, who has 10 goals to his name this season, has been a regular for his country since joining Rovers in 2016.

Mulgrew travelled with the squad to Hillsborough on Saturday, but was never in line to feature for Rovers.

He is one of three central defenders currently out injured, with Darragh Lenihan and Jack Rodwell also sidelined, as well as full back Amari’i Bell. But Mowbray is hopeful the quartet will all be available by the time Rovers return to action in two weeks.

“I think the break will give us a chance to get some injuries back, get some players fit,” Mowbray said.

“Mulgrew won’t be going anywhere, he needs to get himself fit.

“From now I’d hope Mulgrew, Lenihan and Rodwell will all be available, and Amari’i Bell. They will obviously strengthen us.”

Meanwhile, Corry Evans’ international involvement with Northern Ireland is in doubt after limping off in the second half of the defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

The 28-year-old, who has won 51 caps for his country, returned to the starting line-up at the weekend, but will be assessed before Rovers decide whether to allow him, to join up with his country.

Northern Ireland face Estonia on March 21 and Belarus three days later.

Mowbray added: “Evans has picked up a knock so whether he goes away we’ll assess him.”

Derrick Williams was named in the provisional Republic of Ireland squad for games against Gibraltar (March 23) and Georgia (March 26).

However, the 25-year-old didn’t make the final cut announced by boss Mick McCarthy.