Birmingham City's Barry Ferguson Must Play For Scotland Again

The outspoken views of Tartan Army chief Alan Duncan about Scotland fans reacting angrily to the potential return of Barry Ferguson and former teammate Allan McGregor to the international fold—just months after their lifetime bans by the Scottish Football Association—are absurd.

Yes, the two men’s actions—of early morning drinking at Cameron House—midway through a Scotland camp were inexcusable and their actions of gesturing to fans and media alike at Hampden a few nights later—a sure fire sign footballers think with their feet and not their heads, but just as inexcusable—is allowing Scotland’s decline into the abyss continue because grown men cannot forgive or forget.

The pair were not the only players drinking that night (or morning, to be more accurate), and probably felt victimised by both the fans and the media, but they never once denied their guilt and took their eventual bans on the chin.

Birmingham’s Rock

Barry Ferguson moved south from Rangers in the summer and has once again proven his credentials as a quality football player with Birmingham City in one of the world’s toughest stages—the English Premier League.

One of Scotland’s evident problems is the lack of experience at the highest level, yet Mr. Duncan and his associates do not want to see the return of probably their most decorated domestic player days after an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to an under-strength Wales side.

The 31-year-old midfielder has won it all in Scotland, including five Scottish Premier League titles, five Scottish Cups, five Scottish League Cups, and even led his side to a UEFA Cup Final. The 45-time capped Scot should be let back into the national setup to add experience and talent to a squad apparently lacking in either.

Far too many players in the squad have never played in Europe and are plying their trade in the championship in England.

George Burley made some fatal mistakes in his tenure, including losing the best goal keeper in Scotland (McGregor), a former captain (Ferguson) through bans, and the most prolific striker in British football (Kris Boyd) thanks to international retirement.

A country as small as Scotland simply cannot cope with losses of that stature.

Scotland’s Best Shot-Stopper

Ferguson was not the only player mentioned by Duncan, and in 27-year-old McGregor, he wants to sideline the best keeper playing in Scotland. With Scotland number one Craig Gordon of Sunderland looking increasingly fragile through injury, it is utter madness to ignore the only other goalkeeper in his class, especially with David Marshall lacking the consistency to perform at the highest level.

If Scotland wants to start afresh, then that means starting afresh—with Ferguson and Rangers duo McGregor and Boyd welcomed back into the international frame.

Alan Duncan does not speak for every Scotland fan with his narrow-minded views, as Scotland with the “boozegate” pair would be a better Scotland and Scottish fans should remember not to put pride over success; as pride has never qualified for a major tournament.