Welcome back the bairns

Immediately after Craig Levein had been introduced as the next Scottish national team manager and the inevitable questions were asked on the possible re-inclusion of the boozegate duo and Kris Boyd.

All three have been noticeable absentees during Scotland’s ill-fated World Cup qualification campaign.

Currently Kris Boyd is the Scottish Premier League (SPL) top scorer and is a few goals away from taking over Henrik Larsson as the all time SPL top goal scorer. All though never as creative or skill-full as the Swedish hitman, Boyd is a proven, predator who given the chance scores goals a plenty. He is a commodity that Scotland can ill-afford to ignore. Even at International level he has scored seven goals in fifteen appearances.

However, his self-imposed exclusion from the national team does not sit well with many, including the majority of the Tartan Army. His decision not to play under George Burley can be viewed as an act of childish, impetuousness or a rightful, response to the national managers mis-management and bungling.

He has either turned his back on his country or reacted to a slap in the face. Either way his main gripe was with Burley and not the country a view many seem unable to separate.

As the new manager Levein may choose to wipe the slate clean and welcome him back into the fold. Viewed as thoughtful and intelligent the former Dundee United manager has the benefit of starting from scratch and can evaluate and choose on his opinion rather than the bleating from the tartan clad masses.

If Boyd starts to bang in goals that contribute to the nations eventual qualification for a major tournament only the most embittered nationalist would still begrudge his re-inclusion.
The Boozegate duo seem to be a more straightforward matter.

Barry Ferguson is enjoying an Indian summer for Birmingham in the Premiership since leaving Rangers. Lauded by blues fans and manager, Alex McLeish he seems to have grabbed his last chance on the biggest stage and is enjoying his role in the heart of Birmingham’s midfield.
The former national captain has been missed by Scotland and re-inclusion would benefit Scotland, at least in the short term.

Alan McGregor is still young and has cemented the no.1 spot as his own at Ibrox. He is a championship winner and now has plenty of Champions League experience. Even if welcomed back into the fold however he shall still only be deputy to Sunderland’s, Craig Gordon.

Both were guilty of crass stupidity and of a lack of respect towards their manager and fans. The childish V signs to the match photographers compounded the previous nights late night booze binge. The decision to ban them from all future International matches was touted as Burleys alone but many viewed it as the will of the Scottish Football Association (SFA) cronies Peat and Smith.

Both have intimated their desire at least to be considered for Scotland under new management despite also feeling insulted by the amateurish actions of the SFA .

It seems now that all is forgiven and the new boss will have carte blanch to decide as he wishes and bring in who he wants.

Such is the dearth of available talent to Levein he may not have the decision to make. The errant school boys have had their punishment and must be re-included. Scottish Football at a national level is as low as it’s ever been and not many teams can afford to banish their best players due to personal conflicts and shakey relationships.