McCoist hopeful over trio recalls

Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist would love to see Ibrox pair Kris Boyd and Allan McGregor - and former skipper Barry Ferguson - return to the Scotland fold.

The prospect of international recalls have been raised for all three following the dismissal of George Burley, with Boyd having refused to play under the former Ipswich boss while McGregor and Ferguson were banned after making V-signs to photographers after the 'boozegate' affair.

However, Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith has given the new manager licence to pick the latter pair, and McCoist said: "From a personal point of view, as a Scotland supporter, I'm delighted because I want the best players to play for Scotland."

He added: "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.

McCoist has previously admitted he could not understand Boyd's decision, but he will continue to respect the striker no matter what option he chooses now.

"I haven't spoken to Kris about it," said McCoist, who yesterday marked the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child with charity partners UNICEF.

"Obviously Kris is a big enough boy to speak for himself. He will make his own mind up but I would be hopeful that, being one of the best finishers in the country, he would make himself available."