Carlisle United defender Charlie McArthur has received an international call-up.
The Newcastle United loanee has been drafted into the Scotland Under-21 squad.
McArthur, 19, was not named in the original 24-man squad but has since joined up with Scot Gemmill's squad for games against the Republic of Ireland and Iceland.
It was confirmed by United head coach Mark Hughes at his press conference today that McArthur had linked up with the Scotland squad for games against Ireland on Friday and Iceland next Tuesday, both friendly matches in Spain at the Pinatar Arena.
McArthur has previously played for his country at younger age group levels, winning caps for Scotland's Under-17s and Under-19s, captaining the latter.
The young defender has been left out of recent matchday 18-man squads at United after making seven appearances earlier in his half-season loan deal, having joined the Blues under Mike Williamson in January.
Hughes said today: "I'm pleased for Charlie.
"He's been just a little bit unfortunate. He went out of the team with illness and hasn't had an opportunity since.
"But it gets him game time, so that will help us and help him."
The call-up rules McArthur out of United's home games against Bromley and MK Dons on Saturday and next Tuesday respectively.
He last featured for the Blues in the 0-0 draw against Colchester United on February 15.
He was one of 11 signings made by United in the January transfer window, McArthur making his debut in the 1-0 defeat to Bradford City on January 18.
The former Kilmarnock youngster featured four times under Williamson, then started in Hughes' first three games before dropping out of the side and then the squad.
