Hamilton Rangers star Barry Ferguson still wants to play for his country

Nov 26 2009 by John Rowbotham, Hamilton Advertiser

EX-SCOTLAND captain Barry Ferguson has not turned his back on the national team.

The former Ibrox favourite would be happy to play for Scotland again if selected, his close pal and business partner Akram Mohammed told the Advertiser this week.

Mr Mohammed, the boss of four Lanarkshire take-aways, was speaking only days after George Burley was axed following his disastrous 22-month reign as manager of Scotland.

Barry and Ibrox team-mate Allan McGregor were told they would be no longer considered for national team selection after flicking V-signs at photographers during April's World Cup qualifier against Iceland.

They had been benched after the boozing session that took place following the World Cup qualifier against Holland the previous weekend.

Following George Burley’s departure, Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith appeared to hint at a possible return to Scotland colours for Barry.

Gordon Smith was reported as having said that whoever succeeded George Burley would be free to select any player, including Ferguson and McGregor.

Reacting to Smith’s statement, Barry said: “I would like to clarify that I have never once said I would never play for my country again, as some people seem to have claimed.

“I made my feelings known in August about the way the whole situation was handled – and at the time admitted my deep regret for what had happened.”

Referring to a possible return to the Scotland team, he added: “Clearly, there would be a lot for me to think about should the situation arise. I would have to speak to my family and those whom I have always trusted before any decisions could be made.

“That is, of course, if a call is made from the new manager.”

Mr Mohammed (41), who earlier this year joined Barry in a business consortium that bought the Popinjay Hotel, Rosebank, said the 31-year-old midfielder “still had Scotland in his heart”.

Akram Mohammed added: “Barry has not turned his back on Scotland and if anyone picks him he will be available.

“And it doesn’t depend on whoever is selected to succeed George Burley.

“If any manager puts him in the squad, he will be happy to play for Scotland.

“He has still got Scotland in his heart...Scotland and Rangers.”

He said Barry, who in the summer left Ibrox for Alex McLeish’s Birmingham, said: “He is enjoying his time in the Midlands as there is not as much pressure but he still wants to play for Scotland and, in my view, Scotland need guys like Barry.”

Mr Mohammed, Barry and two others are equal shareholders in the 34-bedroom Popinjay Hotel.

They bought the hotel earlier this year after it was placed in administration following cash flow problems and debts estimated at £2m.

Barry, who lives near the mock-Tudor fronted hotel, was expected to play a part in promoting the business and helping with charity functions planned there.