Ferguson rules out Scotland return

(GSM) – Birmingham City’s Scottish midfielder Barry Ferguson has ruled out a return to his national team for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Spain.

Ferguson has not played for his national team since the infamous ‘Boozegate’ episode a year ago admits that he is ‘hurt’ to be out of the Scotland squad.

However, the 32-year-old told Scotland manager Craig Levein that he does not want to be considered for selection.

An SFA spokesman said: “During a live radio broadcast last week, Barry Ferguson intimated that he may consider a return to international football. In subsequent conversations with the national team coach, Craig Levein, and the team scout, Michael Oliver, Barry has confirmed this not to be the case.

“He will therefore not be considered for selection and the matter is now closed.”

Ferguson’s personal circumstances had changed following his departure from Rangers after a drinking session at the Scotland hotel and gestures aimed towards photographers.

The midfielder’s problems occurred after he was dropped from the Scotland squad for the country’s World Cup qualifier against Iceland in April 2009.