McCoist supports decision

Gers assistant happy players will be available for Scotland

Last updated: 19th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

McCoist supports decision

McCoist: Pleased

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Ally McCoist believes Scotland have made the right call in lifting bans on Allan McGregor and Barry Ferguson.

The pair were told their international careers were over following their bad behaviour during a World Cup qualifier against Iceland earlier this year.

However, Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith has now revealed the next national team manager will be free to pick the duo following George Burley's departure as manager.

McGregor's Rangers team-mate Kris Boyd, who had withdrawn his services to Burley after being consistently overlooked, will also be available.

Gers assistant manager McCosit supports the decision, saying: "From a personal point of view, as a Scotland supporter, I'm delighted because I want the best players to play for Scotland.

"I don't think we are particularly well off that we can knock back players that should be in the squad.

"I don't pick the squad and I certainly wouldn't envy the next man because it will be a difficult task.

"But, in that respect, I think he has got to have the option of picking the best players available to him.

"I don't think anyone could argue that Allan McGregor is not in the top two or three goalkeepers. Kris Boyd would certainly be in the top finishers. Barry Ferguson would certainly be in any Scotland squad on merit.

"So if these players are going to be available to the new manager, I can only think that's a great thing."

Smith praise

Rangers manager Walter Smith has emerged as one of the favourites to succeed Burley and McCoist believes he would be the ideal candidate.

Reports suggest Smith, who vacated the Scotland post in January 2007, would not be keen on a return to the job but McCoist is not so sure.

"I don't know if he has had enough," he said. "It is news to me that he withdrew his name; I didn't know that either.

"With his experience and what he did the first time, he would have to be at the top of any list that I would be picking as a supporter."

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