Source: Team_Talk
Levein hopeful over Fergie return
Levein has revealed England Under-21 cap Andrew Driver had pledged his allegiance to Scotland.[LNB]The Hearts winger will be named in the squad for Levein's first match, a friendly against the Czech Republic on March 3, alongside Rangers pair Kris Boyd and Allan McGregor, who had already told the manager they were "dead keen" to return.[LNB]Levein has also been encouraged by talks with Ferguson, McGregor's partner during the "Boozegate" scandal and subsequent V-signs that saw them handed an indefinite ban by the Scottish Football Association.[LNB]But the former Scotland captain, who Rangers sold to Birmingham on the back of his behaviour ahead of last April's World Cup qualifier against Iceland, has issues to resolve.[LNB]"I've spoken to Barry, I spent two hours with him last week and I've spoken to him on the phone," Levein said.[LNB]"I would consider both conversations were very positive. The difficulty is the timing.[LNB]"You have to appreciate that at the start of the season Barry signed a contract with Birmingham and had nothing else on the horizon. So he has made commitments to his club.[LNB]"Also, his wife and kids are staying up in Scotland, so he has made commitments on that front.[LNB]"We plan to speak further. I have got a good feeling about the discussions we've had.[LNB]"Barry has indicated that he's excited about the opportunity to get to 50 caps and qualify for a major tournament.[LNB]"But there are other issues. With his situation, where he has already made commitments, I don't think there will be anything until the end of this season.[LNB]"Once we get this season out the road, there's a decent chance that we can resolve something for next season."[LNB]Levein brushed aside questions over Ferguson's commitment.[LNB]"I'm the manager, I'm wanting him back," he said. "This is my decision and anybody who disagrees, it's me they need to direct any questions at."[LNB]Levein had not even considered whether Oldham-born Driver's selection would anger fans given his appearances for England in last summer's UEFA Under-21 Championship, before he qualified for Scotland through the new five-year schooling rule.[LNB]"I didn't even think about it," the former Scotland defender said.[LNB]"I signed him for Hearts and I think he's a really good player, the type of player we don't have a lot of, left wingers with pace and who are as direct as Andy.[LNB]"He's shown a real willing to want to play for the country. He has stayed in Scotland for a long time and considers himself to be Scottish.[LNB]"I said 'do you want to go away and think about it?' and he said 'no, my mind is made up, I want to play for Scotland'."[LNB]The return of Boyd, who withdrew his services to former boss George Burley, will also not be universally popular but Levein was unapologetic.[LNB]"I'm given the job to pick the best possible team for Scotland to qualify for the Euros," the former Dundee United manager added.[LNB]"I have to take everything into consideration but when the job is black and white - qualify or don't qualify - then the most important thing is to give myself the best chance of qualifying.[LNB]"I don't expect every single supporter will agree with me but that's my job and that's what I'm going to do."[LNB]Levein is confident there will be no repeat of the type of indiscipline that forced McGregor and Ferguson out following their lengthy drinking session, reportedly with several other players.[LNB]"As much as it was very unfortunate what happened in the last campaign, I think it will serve as a very recent reminder to how things can go wrong on the pitch if things aren't correct off the pitch," said Levein, who will discover his Euro 2012 qualifying opponents on Sunday.[LNB]"I believe discipline plays an important part in any football team and I have always believed that.[LNB]"I think it might be a little bit easier for me with the stuff that has happened. I think everyone will be aware that they can't afford to make any major blunders."[LNB]Levein was given "little encouragement" by Wigan midfielder James McCarthy following reports the Republic of Ireland international was considering switching allegiance.[LNB]But Lee McCulloch could be considered after Levein received some indication that the Rangers midfielder may reverse his international retirement.[LNB]"I was discussing Lee the other day," the Scotland manager said. "It shows you I have been that busy travelling about, I didn't realise he had declared he wanted to come back on board.[LNB]"I heard it second or third hand just the other day. I will look at anybody who wants to put on a Scotland jersey.[LNB]"I'm trying to make this pool as big as possible."[LNB]That quest prompted Levein last month to launch a database for all players who are eligible for Scotland.[LNB]"We have had seven names in that we didn't know were Scottish," he said.[LNB]"Most of those are younger players who might benefit (under-21 manager) Billy Stark or even down to Ross Mathie's teams, and a couple of older ones, but I just don't think they're of the quality at this moment.[LNB]"But we are encouraged by that and, even if I don't benefit immediately, then the country can benefit in the future."[LNB][LNB]
