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Former Rangers forward Vladimir Weiss has been dropped from the Slovakia squad following a run in with the police.
Weiss, who now plies his trade at Qatari side Al Gharafa, was reportedly taken into custody in the early hours of Sunday morning after refusing to undergo a breathalyser and blood test during a roadside check in Bratislava.
Slovakia manager Jan Kozak, whose team face Slovenia in a crucial World Cup qualifying Group F clash on Saturday before hosting Scotland three days later, met up with his squad yesterday and confirmed that Weiss has been omitted from group.
Kozak said: “Regarding Vladimir Weiss, we tried to contact him but unfortunately we failed.
“We got in touch with his lawyer who said he would be with us in a short time.
“I’ll talk to him. Regardless of whether he is guilty or innocent, I decided that he will not play in the next two matches because we need to work in peace.
“We’ll see how the investigation goes and then we will draw conclusions.
“He is a valuable player for us, a key player.
“But Slovakia has enough quality football players, and others must be given a chance.”
The 56-times capped player’s absence from the Slovakia squad will be a boost to Scotland ahead of next Tuesday’s qualifier in Trnava.
The 26-year-old made 35 appearances for Rangers on loan from Manchester City during the 2010/11 campaign and helped the Ibrox club win the SPL and League Cup.
He moved to Spanish side Espanyol on a temporary deal the following season and has also turned out for Italian side Pescara, Olympiacos of Greece and Qatari outfit Lekhwiya since leaving City.
