Barry Ferguson warned by McLeish

Published on Friday 20 November 2009 22:53

ALEX McLeish has warned Birmingham midfielder Barry Ferguson he runs the risk of losing his regular spot at St Andrew's if he makes a return to international football with Scotland.

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith has confirmed the next national manager will be free to pick Ferguson, who has been capped 45 times. The former Rangers captain was no longer considered for international selection following the 'Boozegate' row last season.

But McLeish believes coping with the demands of the Barclays Premier League and international football at the age of 31 may mean him having to rest or rotate Ferguson on occasions.

McLeish said: "Would Ferguson welcome a return to playing for Scotland? I don't know. But, if Barry was asked the question, he'd need to be reminded he's in the Premier League and you need legs in this league.

"To go and play international football at the age of 31 and to come back and perform week in and week out for us may mean there are times I'm going to have to rest or rotate him."

&#149 Scotland have held on to 46th place in the Fifa world rankings despite recent tribulations and a run of poor results.