Real Madrid youth player Jack Harper has been left "surprised" and "gutted" after his omission from the Scotland under-19 squad, his father has told the Daily Record.
Scotland U19 boss Ricky Sbragia left the Malaga-born youngster out of his 18-man squad for the upcoming games against Austria, Italy and Croatia, explaining: "Unfortunately, I don't see enough of him in action. The last time he was with us, he did OK, but I wanted a little more impact.
"At Real Madrid, Jack can float all over the place, which he does, but with us he has to be more disciplined. He's an exceptionally gifted lad but we can't carry him. He can be a luxury sometimes.
"We've deliberately gone for more height in our squad. That's one of the reasons why Jack isn't in it."
Harper's father, John, said Spain were now expressing an interest in the 19-year-old but said his son was still determined to play for Scotland.
"The day after Scotland announced the under-19 squad, and Jack wasn't included, Spain were on the phone asking about his position and international status," his father said.
"Jack wants to play for Scotland. I'm Scottish, so is his mum and the rest of the family. He is committed to Scotland, but if nothing is happening by the time he is 21 then he will have a decision to make because he has a life and a career to fulfil. Hopefully, it won't come to that."
He rejected the suggestion his son was a "luxury" player but said: "I have no wish to verbally assassinate the Scotland coach.
"He probably wishes he could backtrack on his choice of words because I certainly don't believe Jack is a lazy player.
"He is not the type who will put in tackles all over the pitch and his game is more about passing and movement, but it's better to let him do his talking on the football pitch."