Oveturning the lifetime bans of Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor can help Scotland get back to their rightful position in the world of international football, says Ally McCoist. The Rangers assistant manager also wants to see Kris Boyd back in the national side.

Ferguson and McGregor seemed destined to miss out on the rest of their international days after a drinking escapade on Scotland duty led to them flicking v-signs to the media, who broadcast them around the globe.

But this week the SFA announced that as well as appointing a new manager, the slate would be wiped clean as far as players were concerned.

SFA boss Gordon Smith said that the new boss would be free to pick who he pleased.

McCoist reacted: "I've got to say from a personal point of view as a Scotland supporter, which I am, that I'm delighted that seems to be happening.

"I want to see the best players playing for the country who can. We're not particularly well off that we can knock back people who should be in there.

"I don't pick the squad and I wouldn't envy the next manager in terms of the task ahead of him because it will be difficult.”

Rangers top striker, Kris boyd, will also be allowed a return to the squad if the new manager thinks they need him, and McCoist says that will be vital.

“it's high time we started to get back on a level keel. The last few games have been disappointing to say the least.

"It goes without saying that we don't have a Souness or Dalglish but there are certainly players in the squad to pick us up."