Source: Daily_Mail
Calling time: Legend Hendry urges a Scots recall for Boozegate duo
Scotland legend Colin Hendry says Boozegate duo Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor must be recalled by George Burley's successor.[LNB]The pair were banished after partying until lunchtime following a World Cup qualifier inHolland in March; and then flicking V-signs at photographers from the bench during the Iceland match at Hampden four days later.[LNB]Now that Burley has been sacked, however, former captain Hendry says the next manager can't afford to overlook the pair if Scotland are to have any chance of qualifying for a major finals again.[LNB] Bring them back: Scotland Boozegate duo Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor should be recalled, says legend Colin Hendry[LNB]And the man who skippered his country at France 98 claims the Tartan Army should be prepared to forgive not only Ferguson and McGregor but also Rangers striker Kris Boyd, who refused to play for Burley after being repeatedly overlooked.[LNB]Hendry said: 'Scotland are limited in quality, so we need our best players and that means Ferguson and McGregor should return.[LNB] Collins throws his hat into the Hampden ring as SFA step up successor searchScotland players were 'too thick' to help axed Burley, claims nephew CraigSmith and Levein in the frame as Scotland start the search for new bossSouness: I won't step into shoes of under-fire Scotland boss Burley 'We are not in a position where we can afford to dismiss players with their kind of talent. The same goes for Boyd, too, because he is a great goalscorer.[LNB]'We are talking about guys with the kind of proven quality Scotland doesn't have in abundance.[LNB]'Barry and Allan suffered a backlash from the Tartan Army but, if they came back, they would find time has been a big healer with the fans. We need our best players pulling together if we are to move forward.'[LNB]Former Rangers and Blackburn skipper Hendry, who won a Premier League title at Ewood Park in 1995, says Ferguson has silenced those critics who said he would be a flop down south after leaving Ibrox in the summer.[LNB]Calling time: Former Scotland skipper Hendry insists his country must recall their exiled stars under its new regime[LNB]'I have watched Barry and he has done really well for Birmingham. He has been very consistent and managed to keep a low profile most of the time,' he said.[LNB]'I followed his progress at Blackburn a few years ago and, after a sticky start, he became one of their better players.[LNB]'This season, he has proved a few things to some people.'[LNB]Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson, meanwhile, backed Hendry's stance and insisted McGregor and Ferguson must be given another chance.[LNB]'At the end of the day, they are both top players,' he said.[LNB]'Allan is the best goalkeeper I have worked with. He is absolutely fantastic. If Scotland want to have any success, they really should have their best players playing. That is nothing against Craig Gordon. But one top goalie pushing another can only be good for Scotland and bring the best out of both of them.[LNB]'Allan knew what he did was wrong and apologised for it. Everyone in life, in any line or work, should be given a second chance.[LNB]'Allan has been given one at Rangers and his form has been fantastic. For me, he is the best goalie Scotland have.[LNB]'It is the same for Barry. I always stood by him and enjoyed playing alongside him. He is doing really well at Birmingham and proving again how good a player he is.[LNB] Show of support: Falkirk coach Alex Smith believes the Scotland players did not rally behind fallen boss George Burley[LNB]'Up here, if Barry didn't get a nine out of 10 every week, people got frustrated with him. If he was invited back, though, I'm pretty sure he would be honoured and take that opportunity.'[LNB]Hendry's and Thomson's pleas will not find universal favour, however, and Falkirk coach Alex Smith insisted that a return to the fold for certain players would leave 'a sour taste'.[LNB]Smith, who compiled a dossier on Holland for Burley during the World Cup qualifying campaign, hit out at players he claimed had not been fully supportive of the manager during his reign.[LNB]'I feel there have been players who have not acted properly during his tenure,' said Smith.[LNB]'There may be one or two others who return to the fold. If that happens, it will leave a sour taste in the mouth.'[LNB] Collins throws his hat into the Hampden ring as SFA step up successor searchScotland players were 'too thick' to help axed Burley, claims nephew CraigSmith and Levein in the frame as Scotland start the search for new bossSouness: I won't step into shoes of under-fire Scotland boss Burley [LNB] Explore more:People:Barry Ferguson, Craig Gordon, Kevin Thomson, Colin Hendry, George BurleyPlaces:Birmingham, Scotland, The Netherlands, France, Ewood Park
