McLeish still wary of Fergie plans

Former national team manager McLeish also warned the 31-year-old not to put his family through an ordeal of any fan backlash there might be were he to return to international football.Craig Levein's appointment as Scotland boss has opened the door for Ferguson and ex-Ibrox team-mates Allan McGregor and Kris Boyd to come in from the cold.Ferguson and McGregor have been exiled since being handed lifetime bans by the Scottish Football Association in April.Those sanctions have since been lifted and both they and Boyd - who refused to play under former manager George Burley - have declared an interest in being part of a Levein regime.Ferguson has found a new lease of life since joining Birmingham this summer and McLeish is worried what affect resuming his Scotland career will have on him."People are saying I'm trying to talk him out of it and discourage him from playing for Scotland," McLeish told BBC Radio Scotland."But all I pointed out, from my own personal experience, is the intensity of balancing club and international football."There is definitely a tiredness in players when they come back from internationals."Barry gives absolutely everything in every training session and in every game he plays."I know he's put himself on the line at times when probably he shouldn't have."Ferguson and McGregor were told they would never play for Scotland again after they were caught flicking V-signs at photographers while sat on the bench during April's World Cup qualifier against Iceland.That came after they were dropped for indulging in an early hours drinking session days earlier following a defeat in Holland.Levein insists both will be considered for selection but the Tartan Army may not be so forgiving.McLeish said: "If that was going to be a factor, why does he need to put himself and his family through that?"Ferguson has been in great form for Birmingham since his move from Rangers, helping them put together an unbeaten run of 11 games in the Premier League.McLeish has previously hinted he may be forced to rest Ferguson, who turns 32 in February, from matches if he resumes his 45-cap international career.He said: "At Barry's age, there are a lot of demands on his body and he has to consider it very carefully."If he comes back from internationals, he may have to be rested."He added: "When Craig speaks to him personally, then that will be decision time for Barry. It really is the individual's choice."

Source: Team_Talk