Barry Ferguson has been warned by Birmingham manager Alex McLeish that a return to international football could be too much for the ex-Rangers captain and result in him losing a regular spot within the Barclays Premier League.

Ferguson was banned from international duty following his actions surrounding boozegate earlier this year.

However the sacking of George Burley has opened the doors again for both Ferguson and Allan McGregor after the Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith confirmed that the next Scotland manager would be free to select these players.

But McLeish believes that the 31-year-old may struggle to cope with the demands of the Premier League and international football and that the decision to take on both could result in him losing a regular spot at St Andrew’s stadium.

McLeish told PA Sport: "Would Ferguson welcome a return to playing for Scotland? I don't know, but, if Barry was asked the question, he would be needed to be reminded he is in the Premier League and you need legs in this Premier League.

"If you are going to play every single game, you need to be super fit.” He added: “To go and play international football at the age of 31 and to come back and perform week in and week out for us may mean there are times I'm going to have to rest or rotate him.

"He will have to consider that side of things. Am I being selfish? No, I am just guiding and educating him."

Ferguson has been a key performer for the Birmingham side since joining up with former Rangers manager McLeish during the summer and making the move to the Premier League.