NEWCASTLE UNITED defender Grant Hanley has withdrawn from international duty with Scotland after picking up an ankle injury in Saturday’s goalless draw with Birmingham City.

Hanley had been named in Gordon Strachan’s squad for a friendly with Canada and a World Cup qualifier with Slovenia, but will now not be involved in either game.

The centre-half has emerged as a key figure in the Newcastle squad, with fellow centre-half Ciaran Clark facing a battle to play again this season after suffering a medial ligament injury.

Hanley’s injury would be a major headache if it prevented him from featuring in the Magpies’ first game after the international break – a home match with Wigan – but Rafael Benitez will be hoping a fortnight of recuperation and treatment enables him to be involved against the Latics.

Meanwhile, Daryl Murphy is being assessed by the Republic of Ireland's medical staff after reporting a calf problem as he linked up with Martin O'Neill's squad ahead of games with Wales and Iceland.

Murphy played the opening 63 minutes of Newcastle's goalless draw at Birmingham before he was replaced by Dwight Gayle.