Scotland not giving up on Barry Ferguson return

Ferguson has received another call to return to the Scotland squad

Scotland have not given up on persuading Barry Ferguson to return to the international scene, according to the midfielder's brother, Derek.

And the BBC Scotland pundit thinks it is still possible that Birmingham's 32-year-old playmaker could relent.

"I'm aware that they did try to do that, I think going back about 10 days ago, two weeks," said Derek Ferguson.

"I've just got a wee funny feeling just at the back of my mind that Barry hasn't either."

Barry Ferguson has not played for Scotland since being banned in April 2009 along with then Rangers team-mate Allan McGregor after a late-night drinking session during the managerial reign of George Burley.

Goalkeeper McGregor was given a second chance by Burley's successor, Craig Levein, while Rangers team-mate Lee McCulloch has also come out of self-imposed retirement.

Somewhere down the road, if he was to change his mind, and Craig Levein would welcome him back, it might happen Derek Ferguson

But Ferguson rejected an approach by Levein, saying that he wanted to concentrate on his club career with Birmingham City in England's top-flight.

"Just at this moment in time in his career, and with the way things are, he feels it is best for him - and Scotland," Derek Ferguson told BBC Scotland.

"He likes Craig Levein. He gets on great with him. He has a lot of respect for him.

"Who's to say, somewhere down the road, if he was to change his mind, and Craig Levein would welcome him back, it might happen."

Indeed, is is clear that the Scottish Football Association has kept open the channels of communications between itself and Ferguson even after announcing in July that Levein had failed to persuade him to return to international football.

Contact was made before the national coach chose his squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Lithuania and Liechtenstein.

However, Derek Ferguson hinted that his brother had bowed to pressure from Birmingham manager Alex McLeish not to add to his 45 caps.

The former Scotland boss has spoken publicly about his preference for Ferguson to avoid injuries and burnout that might come from playing for Levein's side.

Derek Ferguson, though, points out that Rangers defender David Weir has himself returned to the international scene and became Scotland's oldest capped player when he faced Lithuania on Friday, aged 40.

"Personally, and I have said to him, I still think he has a lot to offer," added Derek, the former Hearts and Rangers midfielder who himself has two Scotland caps.

"And you only have to look at Davie Weir, the way he is performing.

"Yes, he has had a couple of injuries. But I think probably Mr McLeish has got a little bit more influence over him.

"He is obviously looking after his own, yes, of course it is understandable, and wants him to perform at his best for Birmingham.

"But personally, I would love to see Barry back in there representing his country."