Source: Team_Talk
Levein confirms Ferguson retirement
arry Ferguson will not play for Scotland again, national coach Craig Levein has confirmed following a conversation with the Birmingham star.[LNB] The Blues midfielder, 32, was banished from the national team during George Burley's tenure for his role in the infamous "Boozegate" affair.[LNB]Levein had hoped the former Rangers skipper would return under the new regime after he replaced Burley at the helm.[LNB]But Ferguson has informed the Scotland boss he wants to focus on club football instead.[LNB]Levein had hoped Ferguson would be back in the squad for the forthcoming Euro 2010 qualifiers.[LNB]He held talks with Ferguson last night, where he was informed of the player's intention to retire from international football.[LNB]Levein said: "I am naturally disappointed not to call on Barry's abilities and experience for the Euro 2012 qualification campaign, but I understand his reasons.[LNB]"The arrangement was that Barry would have the summer to decide.[LNB]"Birmingham returned to pre-season training yesterday and when we spoke last night, he said that both family commitments and his commitment to Birmingham City were the priorities in his life at the moment.[LNB]"I wish him the best of luck and we now move on with our preparations for the qualification campaign, starting with the friendly against Sweden next month."[LNB]Ferguson, and his then Rangers team-mate Allan McGregor, was banned from representing Scotland in April last year.[LNB]The pair had been axed from the starting line-up for a World Cup qualifier against Iceland after indulging in a late-night drinking session at the team hotel.[LNB]Photographs then emerged of the duo making obscene gestures from the bench at Hampden Park, prompting the Scottish Football Association to confirm they would no longer be considered for selection for the national team.[LNB]However, Levein was keen to open the door for their return when he replaced Burley as Scotland manager in December.[LNB]McGregor was set to make his comeback in Levein's first game in charge, a friendly against Czech Republic in March, but withdrew from the squad through injury.[LNB]Ferguson made 45 appearances for Scotland, the last of those against Holland in a World Cup qualifier in March 2009.
