AFC Bournemouth winger Matt Ritchie says he's never been to Scotland despite receiving an international call up from Gordan Strachan, according to the Bournemouth Echo.

The winger played a major role in Bournemouth's fantastic top ten finish last season after promotion from League One in 2013, the winger's been in the same kind of form this year and currently has 11 goals this season.

The 25-year-old, born in Portsmouth, revealed that his Dad and his Granddad were both Scottish but says they always used to come down and visit him instead of making the trip over the border himself.

He told the Bournemouth Daily Echo:

“My dad was born in Edinburgh and so were my grandparents. My granddad was in the Royal Navy and they moved to England after he had been posted to Portsmouth, which is where I grew up.

“I’ve still got relatives in Scotland but my aunties and uncles always seem to come down here to see my nan and granddad so I haven’t actually been to Scotland. I’ve got family there and I’m sure they will come to the games if I’m involved.

“I had a call a couple weeks ago from the (Scotland) manager. He said he had been watching a lot of our games and liked what he had seen.

"He said he felt I would fit into the squad so, hopefully, I can impress and can fit in. I’m absolutely delighted to be involved and it is a proud moment for me and my family.

“It was an easy decision. To be involved with a country’s international team is a great achievement and a dream come true. To be in and around the squad with quality players will be a great experience.

“When I was playing in League One and League Two, I didn’t think this chance would ever come so for it to have come so quickly is great. I’ve got a lot of people to thank and people have put a lot of hard work into my career. Hopefully, I can go and impress.”

Ritchie was a £3 million target for Championship strugglers Fulham during January, in what would've been a shock move.

The Whites were prepared to double Ritchie's wages at the time, their main bargaining tool, but he penned a new contract at Bournemouth and will now stay for the foreseeable future.

The Cherries drew 1-1 against Cardiff City last night at the Cardiff City Stadium, subsequently letting their lead at the top go to Slavisa Jokanovic's Watford, but the Cherries are still in contention to finish in a top six spot in the division.