Scotland outcasts Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor could be handed a route back into international football when the new national manager is announced.

The duo were told they would no longer be considered for the national team in April – but SFA chief executive Gordon Smith has offered them a way back.

Boss George Burley was sacked on Monday and Smith insists the new manager will be free to pick the Birmingham midfielder and Rangers keeper.

“I would leave that to the manager,” said Smith. “I would have no problem with a manager deciding to bring them back.

“I never said it was a life ban. The SFA said they would not be chosen again which was definitely the position of the manager at the time.

“It was never a lifetime ban. You can’t ban someone for life, it’s illegal.”