RANGERS legend Derek Johnstone has slammed Gordon Strachan for snubbing Lee Wallace in his Scotland plans, describing it as ‘a kick in the teeth’ and ‘wrong’.

The national team boss yesterday announced two groups of 19 players for this month’s friendlies with the Czech Republic and Denmark as he casts an eye over fringe stars and untested talents.

However, despite the fact Rangers captain Wallace’s last Scotland outing came in 2013, there was no room for the left-back who has been in impressive form for the Championship leaders.

Strachan justified his decision by claiming the 28-year-old was one of a group of players who he knew ‘could do a job’.

But it was an explanation that failed to stack up for former Gers and Scotland star Johnstone.

“From a selfish point of view I’m delighted he isn’t called up as it means he won’t get injured looking towards Rangers’ tough run in,” said DJ.

“On the other hand I feel sorry for the boy as he’s been out of the Scotland scene for so long.

“Four years ago he knew that by dropping down the leagues and playing inferior opposition he may drop out of contention, but he has been terrific.

“In the Championship this season, Lee has shown what a good player he is, I’m absolutely gutted for him. It’s wrong.

“Charlie Mulgrew is a good player but he’s been injured for months, hardly played a game but is on both squads. Steven Whittaker hasn’t kicked a ball for Norwich since October and he’s in as well.

“I don’t understand it and I don’t buy the excuse for it given who he has called up. Gordon is more than aware of these guys and has picked them many times before.

“It’s a kick in the teeth to be perfectly honest.”

Wallace’s omission was not the only one to upset Rangers fans yesterday afternoon as not one of Mark Warburton’s Scottish contingent received a tap on the shoulder.

It caused fury on social media as some Light Blues supporters had high hopes that Jason Holt, new signing Michael O’Halloran and Barrie McKay – who was called up to the Under-21s - may have recognised.

DJ shares their frustrations, and said: “One man in the top five contenders for player of the year is Michael O’Halloran. He has been excellent for St Johnstone and he doesn’t even get a sniff.

“It’s great for young Kieran Tierney of Celtic to get a call up, he’s had a run of games at full-back and has done well for them.

“Good for him, but I don’t understand why there isn’t a single Rangers player in this squad.

“Barrie McKay has done tremendously well too and he has to stick in the U21s. It baffles me, how could he not pick some of the guys?”