Charlie Mulgrew is focused on continuing to play for Scotland, admitting: “you are a long time retired”.

The Rovers captain said he discussed his latest call-up to his national team with Ewood boss Tony Mowbray who previously told the Lancashire Telegraph he had ‘no problem’ with the 32-year-old playing for his country despite missing a month of action for his club with a calf problem.

The defender says there can be pressure put on players to pull out of international duty by their club managers, after Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths and Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser withdrew this week.

But Mulgrew says he has a positive relationship over the subject with Mowbray, who he has discussed his long-term future with.

Mulgrew says his mindset is on playing until he is 40, but for now, is focused on upcoming games against Israel and Portugal as he looks to continue his run in the team under Alex McLeish.

“I have spoken about coming away to Scotland before to the manager,” said Mulgrew who has 38 caps.

“Every club manager I have played under would rather you stayed at your club.

“That’s just the way it is. Tony is actually one of the better ones I have worked with in terms of this.

“You stub your toe and you pull out! I can understand it because, from a selfish point of view, they want their players ready to go and get some rest.

“I have said it before that I love playing for Scotland. You are a long time retired. As long as I can do it I will give it everything I’ve got.

“Tony wants my best form for my club but the discussion we had was about me enjoying it now and then we’ll see what happens.”

Mulgrew is in to the final year of the contract he signed in 2016 when joining as a free agent after leaving Celtic, though Rovers are keen to secure his long-term future.

He will be 33 before his deal expires, but age is just a number for the defender who has taken on a vegan diet to help prolong his career.

He told the Daily Telegraph: “In football there is this thing when you get by 30, that you’re going to just go year by year, maybe reach 35 but, if you can get your mind thinking about 40, you never know. You might as well aim for that and, even if you don’t make it, at least you’ve given it a go. That has to be your mindset.”

Griffiths withdrew from the squad on Monday to work on his fitness with his club.

And Mulgrew has no issues with his former club team-mate, adding: “If that’s what he thinks and feels is right, to use the extra days to work on his fitness, then that’s between himself, Celtic and Scotland.

“I assume it’s best for him. It’s his decision. There wouldn’t be an issue if he came back in. People will respect his decision and hope, when Leigh does come back in, that he is ready to play.”