England under-21 international opts for Scotland career

Hearts winger Andrew Driver, who has played for England at under-21 level, has opted to pursue a senior international career with Scotland, national team manager Craig Levein revealed on Friday.

Driver, 22, was part of the England squad that reached the final of last year’s European under-21 championship, but he is also qualified for Scotland having moved to Edinburgh as a child and completed five years of schooling there.

“Andy Driver gave me the nod yesterday that he is dead keen,” Levein said. “I said ‘Do you want to go away and think about it?’ He said ‘No, my mind is made up, I want to play for Scotland’.”

Levein also revealed that he has had “very positive” discussions with Barry Ferguson about the former Scotland captain returning to the squad in time for the start of the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign in August/September.

Birmingham midfielder Ferguson was banished from the international set-up last season following an all-night drinking session between two World Cup qualifiers and a subsequent furore over obscene gestures he and Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor made to photographers.

McGregor has already indicated he wants to resume his international career, as has Rangers striker Kris Boyd, who gave up playing for Scotland following a clash with Levein’s predecessor George Burley.

“I’ve spoken to Barry, I spent two hours with him last week and I’ve spoken to him on the phone,” Levein said. “I would consider both conversations were very positive.”

Ferguson, 32, has yet to make a final decision having signed a new contract at Birmingham at the start of this season at a time when it appeared his Scotland career was over.

He also already has substantial travel commitments as his wife and children have stayed in Scotland rather than relocating to Birmingham.

But Levein is optimistic he will decide to make a comeback.

“I have got a good feeling about the discussions we’ve had,” Levein said. “Barry has indicated that he’s excited about the opportunity to get to 50 caps and qualify for a major tournament but there are other issues.”

Rangers boss Walter Smith welcomed the news that Boyd and McGregor will be resuming their international careers.

Smith, himself a former Scotland boss, said: “If Craig feels he wants to get the best he possibly can, then both these boys have been doing well this season. I’m pleased that he is picking them.

“Kris was playing as well as he has played at any time since I came back to Rangers and was scoring goals. So he is one that you would want in your group.

“Allan McGregor has been terrific for us over the season so it’s good that he’s getting picked too.

“Scotland have a couple of good goalies, with Craig Gordon and Allan, and it’s a position where they are strong.”

Smith added: “The country needs the national team to be doing well and we want to be optimistic about what’s happening.

“I’ve said on many occasions that Scotland have good players and Craig is taking back people who have played there before who are not inexperienced in terms of international football and I’m sure the country will benefit from that.”