The possible return to the Scotland fold of Barry Ferguson, Allan McGregor and Kris Boyd could divide the support. Representatives from the Tartan Army - Scotland’s supporters’ organisation – have warned that fans would not be unanimous in welcoming the trio back to international football.
Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith revealed on Wednesday that George Burley’s managerial replacement would be able to call upon Boyd – who made himself unavailable for selection under Burley – and shamed duo McGregor and Ferguson.
Goalkeeper McGregor and then Scotland captain Barry Ferguson were banned for life from playing for their country after making offensive gestures at photographers whilst sat on the bench during a World Cup qualifier with Iceland in April. Clamour had already been growing for them to be punished for a late night drinking session after defeat in Holland days earlier, after initially only both being banished to the subs bench.
Hamish Husband, spokesman for the West of Scotland Tartan Army, said on Wednesday that Scotland fans would be split over the return of the shamed pair, but claimed that Boyd was more likely to be welcomed back.
Husband said: "There are plenty of examples of players who have come back after being punished or turning their back on their country but I believe the return of Ferguson, McGregor and Boyd would split the Tartan Army.
"Some believe that two out of those three players are as good or better than anything we have got.
"They will look at our lack of goals and wonder why the second highest scorer in the history of the SPL (Boyd) doesn't play for Scotland.
"Others, though, believe that players have one chance and if they have been punished or turn their back on Scotland, then that's it for life. Any polls on the fans' message boards would show that."
Tam Ferry, East of Scotland Tartan Army co-ordinator, confirmed that fans would be more welcoming towards Boyd’s return. Boyd elected to withdraw from internationals after being left on the bench as Scotland played out a poor 0-0 home draw with Norway. Chris Iwelumo, who was sent on as a sub ahead of Boyd, missed an open goal that would have almost certainly guaranteed the home side a win.
Ferry said: "Most fans would like to see a proven goalscorer [such as Boyd] back but as far as the other two are concerned, the fans would be split.
"I'm not sure if they have apologised to the Scotland fans since so they have some making up to do.
"But if Boyd made himself available again then I'm sure the fans would welcome him back."
Last updated: 18 November 2009, 23:26
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