Iwelumo has expressed disappointment at Boyd's decision

Scotland striker Chris Iwelumo says Kris Boyd's decision to temporarily quit international football is a massive blow for the national side.

Boyd, an unused substitute in the 0-0 draw with Norway, announced he will not make himself available for selection while George Burley is manager.

"It's a big loss. He brings goals - his goal-scoring tally is unbelievable," Iwelumo told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"It's disappointing he's come to that decision but everyone to their own."

The 30-year-old Wolves forward, who missed a sitter from two yards out at Hampden on his international debut, met up with Boyd before returning home to England after Saturday's World Cup qualifier.

And Iwelumo was effusive in his praise for the prolific Rangers striker.

"I had a look at his goal tally and I was shocked. The guy is a goal-machine," Iwelumo said.

"He's a good lad as well for banter and a good character to have around. It's a big loss.

"It was probably a hard decision to make but he's decided to go that way.

"It's not my place to try and convince him otherwise. Like I say, everyone to their own. He's made his choice."

Boyd is yet to start a game for Scotland since Burley's appointment in January and has played only 28 minutes in six matches.

He was overlooked, twice, on Saturday, when Burley chose to start with James McFadden as a lone striker.

The former Hearts boss then left Boyd on the bench again as he introduced Iwelumo and Hibs' Steven Fletcher as attacking replacements on the hour mark.

Despite his disastrous open goal miss, Iwelumo said he was proud to finally win a first full international cap for his country.

"I've been waiting a long time for it and I was delighted the opportunity came along," Iwelumo said.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your thoughts on Boyd's announcement

"It was a day of mixed emotions for myself. It was fantastic to get my first cap and when the chance (to score) came I felt comfortable, I felt confident.

"I was as surprised as anyone when it went wide. But that's part and parcel of football.

"And I'm just disappointed now that, no matter how well I did in the game, I'm going to be remembered for the miss."

And Iwelumo revealed that he had said sorry to his Scotland team-mates after the final whistle.

"I apologised and that was dismissed by every single person in the dressing room," Iwelumo said.

"They said to stop talking nonsense, it happens to the best of us and just congratulated me on making my debut."