Austria captain Andreas Ivanschitz has warned Middlesbrough's Emanuel Pogatetz he is not wanted in the national team.

Defender Pogatetz has been out of the frame after incurring a two-match suspension during a World Cup qualifier which, with Austria co-hosts of Euro 2008, means he will miss the opening games of next year's tournament.

He will again be absent against Scotland tonight but is hoping UEFA will consider his a special case and drop his suspension. He cannot serve the ban during qualifying games, as Austria have none to play as automatic entrants for the finals.

The Boro player is currently of little use to his country as he will miss two of Austria's three European Championship group games, which they are building specifically towards.

However Ivanschitz believes Pogatetz's criticism of his captaincy and of coach Josef Hickersberger's ability to lead the side should mean the 24-year-old stays sidelined.

The Austrians are ranked 77th in the world and with their star players at loggerheads, even a depleted Scotland side should have every chance of victory in Vienna tonight.

Even though Pogatetz's criticism of both captain and coach came last September, it remains a sensitive issue in Austria.

Ivanschitz, 23, said: "We resolved the problem at the time. From the team, nobody said they wanted to play with him again.

"Pogatetz can't insult the team and then expect to be welcomed with open arms.

"We drew a line under the episode and haven't spoken about it, until today.

"But the decision is exclusively that of coach Hickersberger. Full stop."