McLeish voices Fergie concern

Blues boss warns midfielder not to rush Scotland decision

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 10th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

McLeish voices Fergie concern

Ferguson: Tipped for recall

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Alex McLeish has urged Barry Ferguson to think long and hard before returning to international duty.

The Birmingham midfielder is tipped to be brought back into the Scotland fold by new boss Craig Levein, having been ousted by former coach George Burley.

The 32-year-old is yet to decide whether he would accept a recall, following a difficult period in his career, but has hinted that he would be willing to return if asked.

McLeish accepts every player should be honoured to have the opportunity to represent their country, but he has warned Ferguson to carefully consider his options before taking the plunge.

"I am not going to deny anybody playing for their country," said the ex-Scotland boss.

"But I have told Barry purely from an experienced point of view how tough it will be to combine both - especially for a player like him because there'll be a lot of pressure on.

"He will be expected to be 100 per cent every game for Scotland, the best player every game.

"If he goes below that level of being the best, they will probably start picking on him."

McLeish added: "It's not my decision. I think it's common knowledge what my thoughts are. Of course, I want him to play for Scotland.

"But would the physical demands be a concern? Absolutely, I know what it's like to come back from international games and then be up for it on Saturday."

Not serious

Meanwhile, McLeish has revealed that he is hoping to have Christian Benitez back in contention 'sooner rather than later'.

The Ecuadorian striker is currently nursing an ankle knock, which will keep him out of Wednesday's trip to West Ham, but the problem is not expected to keep the 23-year-old sidelined for long.

"Christian is limping a wee bit - although the ankle injury is not serious," said McLeish.

"The doctor thinks that, with a push, he could have been knocking on the door for tonight's game but he's not going to quite make it.

"It's not serious but sometimes these things can improve pretty quickly, then you hit a hiatus with it, and it tends to drag on for a couple of weeks.

"Let's hope that the doctor's diagnosis is right and he is back sooner rather than later."