Garry O'Connor was a substitute against France on Saturday

O'Connor's agent phoned to say that the striker, who has now returned to Moscow without explaining his actions, would not be rejoining the squad on Sunday.

And Lokomotiv spokesman Alexander Udaltsov said: "He has told us there were personal reasons for his absence.

"That is what he will be telling the Scotland coach."

O'Connor has promised to tell Smith his reasons sometime after Wednesday's game.

But mystery still surrounds the reasons for his disappearance after Saturday's victory over France.

Read the interviews in Russian newspapers and he always says how much he likes it here Lokomotiv Moscow spokesman Alexander Udaltsov

And Udaltsov said: "It was a surprise to everybody here when we learned he would not be going to Kiev.

"There has never been a problem with Garry over discipline and we really were surprised something had happened in Scotland.

"He did not want to discuss his personal reasons with everybody, but I think he will also be talking to our coach about it.

"Everything is okay for Garry here, although we are disappointed he will not be playing against Ukraine."

O'Connor had appeared in weekend newspapers saying that he might seek a transfer at the end of the Russian season in January.

It has been suggested that his girlfriend, Lisa, has not settled in Moscow.

"We have not heard anything about that," insisted the Lokomotiv spokesman.

"When we talk to Garry in Moscow, he has always said everything is okay.

"Read the interviews in Russian newspapers and he always says how much he likes it here.