Rangers’ goalkeeper Allan McGregor and former Scotland captain Barry Ferguson are now free to be selected by the next Scotland manager after George Burley departed the national side. The pair was previously told that they would never play for Scotland again for their part in the Boozegate fiasco.
In a statement made earlier by Gordon Smith, he informed the media that the new Scotland manager would be able to pick anyone he so desired including Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor. The question remains however whether the pair would like to be part of the Scotland setup once more.
Ferguson’s presence was clearly missed in the run in to the World Cup qualifying campaign where Scotland capitulated and failed to find someone to replace Ferguson in the middle of the park. He is capable of dictating the tempo of a game and creating opportunities for players that surround him. Ferguson has been in great form this season for Birmingham City, despite a stupid sending off against Manchester City. The next Scotland manager should seriously consider recalling Ferguson to the Scotland setup, instead of relying on an ex Livingston player (Graham Dorrans) and an ex Inverness player (Don Cowie).
Despite at the start of the season several Rangers fans complaining that McGregor walking back into the team ahead of Neil Alexander, McGregor has gone on to justify his position as Rangers number one goalkeeper. This is despite an early set back against Hearts. McGregor has gone on to make several stunning saves this season, most recently against Hibernian at Ibrox. In McGregor, Scotland would have a truly world class deputy to Craig Gordon and let’s face it Scotland’s goalkeeper is about the most vital part of the team as Gordon has proved when Scotland upset the likes of France.
Whoever the next Scotland manager may be, does the right thing bring back Allan and Barry to Scotland!
