Barry Ferguson delays decision on Scotland future until end of season

Published on Friday 5 March 2010 08:26

BARRY Ferguson has promised Craig Levein an answer over his Scotland future once the current season is over.

• Ferguson was banned from the Scotland team by George Burley

Ferguson, 32, has been invited to end his international exile by new manager Levein.

But concerns over the impact it will have on the midfielder's career at Birmingham mean he is taking his time before deciding whether to return to the fold.

"I've got to give Birmingham everything I have and then, at the end of the season, I will sit down and think it through," Ferguson said.

Ferguson has not played for Scotland since he and former Rangers team-mate Allan McGregor were handed lifetime bans following their part in the 'Boozegate' scandal.

Ferguson admits he flies into a rage every time he watches footage of himself and McGregor flicking V-signs at photographers while sat on the bench during the World Cup qualifier against Iceland almost a year ago.

Ferguson, who had been captain until that point, said: "I miss being captain and I enjoy responsibility. I want to slap myself every time I see what happened at Hampden.

"Every time it is shown, I want to smash the TV.

"I look back at the thing that happened that Wednesday night. I look back and I cringe."

Those events came just days after Ferguson and McGregor indulged in an early-hours drinking session at Scotland's team hotel.

He added: "I still have a daft streak. I was born with it. But every mistake I have made I have come back stronger and a better person."

Despite admitting his failings, Ferguson is still upset with the way the Scottish Football Association handled the situation.

"I was angry the way it happened and the way it was done," he said.

"You get a piece of paper saying you will never play again.

"But the way Craig Levein has dealt with it is great.

"He took time out to have a chat and knows my feelings about the Scotland situation and he took everything into consideration."