Birmingham manager McLeish warns Barry Ferguson against Scotland return

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has warned Barry Ferguson he could lose his club place if he returns to international duty with Scotland.

The Brum midfielder has not played for his country since the ’Boozegate’ incident in March before the dropped star flicked a V-sign while on the bench.

Skipper Ferguson and Allan McGregor were then told they would no longer be considered for selection for the national team after their antics.

Ferguson,31, was quickly sold by Rangers to Birmingham in the summer for £1million.

But SFA chief executive Gordon Smith now says whoever takes over from sacked manager George Burley will be free to pick Ferguson.

Yet ex-Scotland chief McLeish admits Ferguson would still have a lot to consider should he get a future call-up as his club career has benefited from international exile.

“I am not putting a gun to his head and telling him not to play for Scotland but he is not 25 any more,” said McLeish, who managed Scotland from January-November 2007.

“I guess we will find out when and if Barry gets asked the question by the next manager.

“He said never again but we have seen the James Bond film where Sean Connery made a comeback.

“But, at the same time, the demands of the Premier League for a player Barry’s age then playing international level is going to be so demanding if he wants to go down that road again.

“If we get into a position where we have a strong squad then players will have to be aware of getting rotated when internationals come around and tiredness comes into it.

“I look at the example of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs who have done very well for Manchester United since retiring from internationals.”