Ferguson decides against return

Barry Ferguson has decided against a return to the Scotland fold for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Spain.

Ferguson, who has not played for Scotland since the infamous 'Boozegate' episode last year, admitted earlier this month that being out of the squad "hurt" him. But he has since told Scotland manager Craig Levein that he does not want to be considered for selection.

"During a live radio broadcast last week, Barry Ferguson intimated that he may consider a return to international football. In subsequent conversations with the national team coach, Craig Levein, and the team scout, Michael Oliver, Barry has confirmed this not to be the case," said an SFA spokesman.

"He will therefore not be considered for selection and the matter is now closed."

Levein has been eager to welcome the Birmingham midfielder back in the fold since becoming George Burley's successor in December last year. Allan McGregor, who had been banned indefinitely by the Scottish Football Association along with Ferguson, quickly returned to the squad when Levein reopened the door to the pair.

But Ferguson's personal circumstances had changed after leaving Rangers as a consequence of his drinking session at the Scotland hotel and subsequent gestures towards photographers after being dropped for a World Cup qualifier against Iceland in April 2009.

The 32-year-old visits his Lanarkshire-based family during international breaks and also feels a debt of gratitude to Birmingham boss Alex McLeish.

McLeish was the only Barclays Premier League manager to show an interest in Ferguson after Rangers decided to let him go and the former Scotland captain has returned to top form at St Andrew's.

Ferguson laid bare the inner turmoil over his continuing international exile on BBC Radio Scotland earlier this month in an interview seen by many as the first step towards a return.

But Ferguson also admitted that, had he returned to the national team, McLeish would not have offered him the contract extension that he recently signed, which ties him to Birmingham until the summer of 2012.