The appointment of Craig Levein as the new Scotland boss has raised the possibility of a return to international duty for Birmingham midfielder Barry Ferguson. But with his star the wrong side of 30, Brum boss Alex McLeish is worried that performing once again for his country could adversely affect his domestic form.

 

Ferguson was banned from representing his country alongside Rangers keeper Allan McGregor following an unsavoury incident during the Scots World Cup qualifying campaign. However, the former Scotland captain has been offered an olive branch by the new international boss Levein and the chance to add to his 45 caps. Yet whilst Ferguson himself may see this in a positive light, his club boss has reservations. "At Barry's age, there are a lot of demands on his body and he has to consider it very carefully," Alex McLeish said, "If he comes back from internationals, he may have to be rested."

Any discussion surrounding the possibility of an international return between McLeish and his player have remained private but McLeish added "People are saying I'm trying to talk him out of it and discourage him from playing for Scotland. But all I pointed out, from my own personal experience, is the intensity of balancing club and international football. There is definitely a tiredness in players when they come back from internationals.”