Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has warned Barry Ferguson that his Blues future takes precedence over a return to Scotland. The midfielder had previously not been considered for international duty after breaching squad discipline while on duty for Scotland last season.

But McLeish has warned his compatriot that playing for Scotland may jeopardise his future at St Andrews.

"Would Ferguson welcome a return to playing for Scotland?" he said.

"I don't know but if Barry was asked the question, he would need to be reminded he is in the Premier League and you need legs in this Premier League.

"If you are going to play every single game, you need to be super fit.

"To go and play international football at the age of 31 and to come back and perform week in and week out for us may mean there are times I'm going to have to rest or rotate him.

"He will have to consider that side of things. Am I being selfish? No, I am just guiding and educating him."