Scotland's new boss Craig Levein is planning on holding talks with Barry Ferguson, Allan McGregor and Kris Boyd
Scots boss to talk to Ferguson, McGregor and Boyd
New Scotland manager Craig Levein is planning on holding talks with Barry Ferguson, Allan McGregor and Kris Boyd in the coming weeks.
The early suggestion is the players are eager to make their international comebacks as part of the new regime under Levein following George Burley's sacking.
Ferguson and McGregor were both effectively banned by the SFA after the infamous "Boozegate" scandal during the country's flawed World Cup qualifying campaign.
Rangers striker Boyd ruled himself out of international availability under Burley after being repeatedly snubbed as a starter by the ex-manager despite numerous call-ups.
Levein is looking to call up the best players he feels can do a job for Scotland and has planned to hold talks with the trio in the near future to assess their interest.
No secret
"I am making no secret of the fact I want the guys in my squad," confirmed Levein in the
Daily Record. "I'm not going to try to hide anything at all.
"To that end I have spoken to Walter (Smith) and Alex (McLeish) and told them I would like to meet with all three players at some point in the next few weeks - just as I hope to speak to every player who I feel I need in my group.
"As far as I'm concerned these three will be treated in exactly the same manner as every other player in that group."
Boyd and McGregor have already responded positively to Levein's call for talks, stating they would jump at the chance to rekindle their international careers.
Positive response
"If I get picked I'll be there," Boyd told the
Scottish Sun. "It was always my hope to play for Scotland again so hopefully now it will happen."
"What's happened in the past is gone now. I want to move on and I really look forward to pulling on that dark blue jersey again."
McGregor told the
Daily Record: "If Craig Levein wants me to play a part in his plans then he won't have to ask me twice. The answer is yes please!
"Nine months ago, I was absolutely devastated when I was told my Scotland career was over.
"I don't care if he wants to play me or not - I'm just desperate for the chance to get back in and maybe wear that jersey again one day."
