Ferguson open to Scotland return

Barry Ferguson has not ruled out a return to international football.

The Birmingham midfielder, 32, has not played for Scotland since his part in the 'Boozegate' scandal 18 months ago.

Craig Levein had offered Ferguson an olive branch ahead of the recent Euro 2012 qualifying double-header against Lithuania and Liechtenstein but the former Rangers player knocked back the offer from the national team boss - insisting he wanted to focus on his club career.

But now 45-times capped Ferguson could be ready to change his mind.

"You can never say never in football," he told BBC Sportsound.

"I don't have a fear of going out and being booed.

"To captain Scotland is the pinnacle of your career, is it not?

"Craig came down to see me in the summer and we had a great chat.

"He's a guy I have a lot of respect for. He wanted an answer before the Sweden game and my answer was no.

"Craig knows I will speak to him. His words were: 'The door will never be shut'.

"It never leaves you and you always want to represent your country.

"Watching the games, you want to be out there helping Scotland get to a major European finals. It does hurt not being part of it.

"When I signed for Birmingham my only concern was to play for them.

"Moving away from my family, the gaffer gave me time to come back up the road.

"My break from internationals gives me more time to spend time with the family.

"But to be asked back, it plays on your mind. It's not an easy decision to make."

Meanwhile, Scotland have slipped six places to number 47 in the FIFA world rankings.