Ryan Fraser scores a Newcastle perfect 10 as winger's sudden revival raises big question for Steve Clarke

Ryan Fraser has become synonymous with the Tartan Army for international squad withdrawals but with the Newcastle United star in the form of his life, it raises the prospect of a potential Scotland recall.

Fraser caused controversy by pulling out of November's crucial World Cup qualifying squad, only to be pictured training with his club days later.

The tricky winger has played a key role in Newcastle's seven game unbeaten run under Eddie Howe and was involved in both goals as the Toon won 2-0 against Brentford to further strengthen their Premier League survival hopes.

This led to Newcastle based newspaper the Chronicle giving the winger a ten out of ten rating after the victory.

They wrote: "Ryan Fraser - 10

"The heartbeat of United's side toyed with Brentford and prodded and probed before delivering the crucial assist. Credit it where it's due, Fraser is looking the part now."

Scotland boss Steve Clarke wasn't best pleased when Fraser pulled out the squad in November to focus on impressing Howe.

Clarke said: “I haven’t spoken to Ryan. Obviously he wasn’t involved through his own choice in the November games.

“I don’t think we missed him, the team was good in both games, so Ryan could have his work cut out to be back in the squad."

“That’s just the nature of the competition for places.

"It’s not a squad that you want to give up your place in lightly.”

Fraser scored a crucial goal for Scotland in a 1-1 World Cup Qualifying draw with Israel in March last year and not many people would disagree that Scotland have a better squad with a fit and focussed Fraser in it.

Clarke will name his next squad in just a few weeks and Fraser could well be back in the fold for the World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine at