Whittaker backs trio to return

Steven Whittaker believes former Scotland trio Kris Boyd, Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor would be welcomed back into the fold by the rest of the squad if the new manager opts to resurrect their international careers.

And the Ibrox full-back - capped four times by George Burley - urged the sacked manager's successor to recall all three of them despite their chequered history with the national team.

"They are three big names and three great players with great ability," said Whittaker. "I'm sure whoever gets the job will take that into consideration and I'm sure the boys who are in the squad just now would welcome them back."

Whittaker was not involved in last week's 3-0 defeat in Wales which proved to be Burley's last act as Scotland manager but admits every single player must take responsibility for his sacking.

"The boys who were selected for the games didn't do as well as we could have done and that was a big part of George losing his job," he said.

"The players themselves have to take some responsibility for not performing. Why that was, it's hard to put your finger on.

"It's important when the new manager comes in that the players have a good relationship with him.

"The whole country really needs to get behind us and hopefully we can push on and start qualifying and winning games."