Source: Team_Talk
Levein planning to meet exiled trio
Boyd and McGregor have both expressed a desire to end their international exiles under Levein, while Ferguson has also hinted at a willingness to return to the fold.[LNB]Levein, who was appointed Scotland boss two days before Christmas, told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "I haven't spoken to them as yet.[LNB]"I've spoken to their managers and my intention is to get round and meet all the players.[LNB]"I will be speaking to everybody over the next six weeks or so, hopefully before the draw for the Euros in February."[LNB]Rangers striker Boyd - who on Wednesday night surpassed Henrik Larsson as the Scottish Premier League's all-time top goalscorer - refused to play under Levein's predecessor George Burley.[LNB]Ferguson and McGregor, meanwhile, were handed lifetime bans by the Scottish Football Association after being photographed flicking V-signs at photographers during April's World Cup qualifier with Iceland.[LNB]That came days after they were dropped for indulging in an early-hours drinking session at the team's hotel.[LNB]The pair's punishments have since been revoked and Levein said: "Whether they've been treated badly or they haven't, I'm not really concerned about that.[LNB]"I'm just concerned about having the best players available for every game."[LNB]Boyd believes his decision to quit international football over a lack of opportunity under Burley in October 2008 has allowed him to improve his all-round game.[LNB]"The Scotland thing was the turning point," he said. "I knew I was going nowhere sitting on a bench for 10 days not doing much. It was heartbreaking and not what I wanted.[LNB]"I knew, as it stood, I wasn't going to be playing at Rangers and definitely wasn't playing with Scotland so something had to give.[LNB]"I had to go back to basics and prove to myself I could play at Rangers.[LNB]"It was a brave decision. I have taken a lot of stick but feel it has been the best decision I've made.[LNB]"Now is the time to kick on and get back to international level and I feel I can return to that stage a far better player."[LNB]Scotland's failure to reach this summer's World Cup under Burley has raised question marks over whether the squad is good enough to put that right in Euro 2012 qualifying.[LNB]Levein, who reiterated his desire to get involved in youth development at the SFA, said: "You don't have to have the best talent to win football matches.[LNB]"It's more important to have a good team work ethic; if everyone can gel and work together then everything is possible.[LNB]"It's a good time to be taking over because expectations are pretty low for the national side.[LNB]"You're better taking over at a time like that because there's so much room for improvement."[LNB][LNB]
