GEORGE BURLEY came out all guns blazing today - and Kris Boyd was the man in his sights.
GEORGE BURLEY came out all guns blazing today - and Kris Boyd was the man in his sights.
The Rangers striker's decision to quit inter-national football while Burley was in charge has clearly incensed the manager who was already under pressure following Saturday's disappointing goalless draw with Norway.
Boyd was an unused sub at the weekend, and the 25-year-old hitman went public on his reasons for declaring himself unavail-able to Burley for further selection.
Ibrox team-mate Lee McCulloch had called time on his international career last month, and there were reports today others would join him and Boyd in this national opt-out.
But the manager reacted by revealing that Barry Ferguson - who is recovering from surgery - spoke to him before Saturday's game and was enthusiastic about returning to the side, perhaps as soon as next month's friendly against Argentina.
The national team boss was speaking at a hastily-organised press conference at Hamdpen, and did not miss his target as he made it clear he was only interested in players who were committed to their country.
Burley pointed out Boyd is not even playing regularly for his club, so why should he expect to play for his country?
He said: "Walter Smith is one of the best managers in Britain. Kris has not been a regular for the past year and, if people aren't playing in big games, I've got to think something's not quite right'.
"Every player has strengths and weaknesses, elements of the game he needs to improve. Kris knows that. But the decision has been made and now it is time to move on."
Burley has been taken aback by the reaction to Boyd's withdrawal. But he refuses to let it shake his resolve to do what he believes is best for Scotland.
He said: "I've never had a cross word with Kris. They come in, stay at five-star hotels, in this day and age they have massive wages.
"How much do you care? You don't need to like everybody. This is your country.
"Okay, he didn't get on. But the only way Kris is going to get in the team is playing regular, showing what he can do, coming to the squad and looking better than the other strikers. That's how you get in the team.
In full flow, the boss added: "You have got to show that passion. And if you don't want to show it, you make that decision that you want to step out, fine.
"We have big games coming up. People might think we are out of it, but we're not, we are in second position.
"We need people wanting to fight for the cause, go to war for the country. Roll your sleeves up and go for it."
