Boyd hits back at Burley comments

Kris Boyd today accused Scotland boss George Burley of stooping "below the belt" in his criticism of the Rangers striker.

Boyd insists he does not want to become embroiled in a war of words with Burley over his decision to quit the national team.

The 25-year-old informed the Scottish Football Association he no longer wished to be considered for selection while Burley remains at the helm, claiming he has not been given a chance by the former Hearts and Ipswich boss.

Boyd's decision to quit was within hours of spending the whole of Saturday's goalless World Cup qualifier against Norway on the bench.

Burley then hit back in a media conference on Monday when he accused Boyd of turning his back on his country and a lack of commitment to the national cause.

But Boyd told Rangers World today: "I think I've shown before that I've got the passion needed to play for my country so I think that comment was a bit below the belt.

"It was a decision I took months ago but I kept going and said I would give myself another chance. But it came to a head and I couldn't take any more.

"I wanted to go back to my club, I wanted to go and fight to establish myself there and I'll do that."

He added: "I'm not going to get into a war of words with anybody.

"I said what I felt like saying at the time and so has George.

"For me, the best thing is just to get my head down, work hard and get myself in the Rangers team regularly and I can go forward from there.

"When I spoke to SFA, I said I would be available for selection if the next manager, whoever that may be, wants to pick me.

"That's all I can say on the matter. If he picks me, he picks me. If he doesn't, he doesn't."

Rangers team-mate Lee McCulloch retired from international football for family reasons last month but Kirk Broadfoot has refuted suggestions of an Ibrox plot against Burley.

"I think it's rubbish to say the Rangers players have a problem with the Scotland manager," said Broadfoot, who won his second cap against Norway.

"Lee McCulloch quit for family reasons and Barry Ferguson is bursting to get back involved.

"David Weir is still there, Allan McGregor is still there and so am I. I hope more Rangers players will be involved in the next squad too."