Ferguson to take time over Scotland decision

Barry Ferguson will take plenty of time before deciding whether to make an international return for Scotland under Craig Levein.

The Birmingham midfielder, however, revealed Levein is the only coach he would have considered returning to play under for Scotland.

He told Press Association Sport: "As soon as Craig got announced as Scotland manager I said he was the right man for the job.

"He is the only guy I would probably consider coming back to play for."

Yet Ferguson will still take time and discuss his situation with Blues boss Alex McLeish before deciding on a return to the international fold.

The former Rangers captain was not considered by his country after much-publicised off-the-field incidents when on Scotland duty last season.

Levein has held talks with the 32-year-old and indicated he wants Ferguson back for the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign and to add to his 45 caps.

Ferguson added: "Myself and Craig Levein have agreed with each other to keep what has been said private.

"I've still got a lot of thinking to do and I am nowhere near a decision.

"I am fully committed to Birmingham. I will give them a full season. They took a chance on me when people were knocking me down. I owe them everything.

"I have all that to take into account and it will be a long time before I decide what I do.

"I am nowhere near a decision and I need to sit down and go through a lot of things.

"If it means I go away and come back, and I'm not going to play here well, there is no chance of me going back. There is still loads to discuss.

"But the meetings were good and he is a guy I respect and he has given me time to go away and think about it.

"There are loads of things I have to take into consideration and I have to be honest with the gaffer (McLeish) as well.

"He has given me a platform to come down here and play. I've not had a long chat with him yet. I need to sit down and see what his thoughts are."