Bournemouth's Matt Ritchie is called up to the senior Scotland squad for the first time by Gordon Strachan for this month's games against Northern Ireland and Gibraltar.

Bournemouth's Matt Ritchie has earned a surprise call-up to the Scotland squad for this month's international double-header against Northern Ireland and Gibraltar.

The 25-year-old winger was born on the South Coast in Gosport, but qualifies to play for Scotland because of his Scottish-born father Alex.

Ritchie has appeared in all 37 league games for Championship leaders Bournemouth this season, netting 11 goals and leading the league in assists with 12.

Fellow Championship players Jordan Rhodes and Ross McCormack also earn recalls to Gordon Strachan's squad.

Scotland face Northern Ireland in a friendly on March 25 before hosting Gibraltar four days later in a Euro 2016 qualifier.

After four games of qualifying, Strachan's Scots are third in Group D, level on points with World Cup winners Germany and three behind group leaders Poland.

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Celtic), David Marshall (Cardiff City), Allan McGregor (Hull City)

Defenders: Christophe Berra (Ipswich Town), Craig Forsyth (Derby County), Gordon Greer (Brighton & Hove Albion), Alan Hutton (Aston Villa), Russell Martin (Norwich City), Mark Reynolds (Aberdeen), Andrew Robertson (Hull City), Steven Whittaker (Norwich City)

Midfielders: Ikechi Anya (Watford), Barry Bannan (Bolton Wanderers), Scott Brown (Celtic), Darren Fletcher (West Bromwich Albion), James Forrest (Celtic), Shaun Maloney (Chicago Fire), James McArthur (Crystal Palace), James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion), Matt Ritchie (Bournemouth), Johnny Russell (Derby County)

Strikers: Steven Fletcher (Sunderland), Stevie May (Sheffield Wednesday), Ross McCormack (Fulham), Steven Naismith (Everton), Jordan Rhodes (Blackburn Rovers)