SFA considered life ban for Boyd

11:30am Wednesday 15th October 2008

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith considered handing Kris Boyd a lifetime Scotland ban after the striker ruled himself out of contention while George Burley is the manager.

However, Smith and his colleagues decided to leave Boyd's future up to the coaching staff despite their unease at his stance.

The Rangers striker revealed his decision on Saturday night after being left on the bench during the goalless World Cup qualifier against Norway. "We talked about whether that's it when a player decides not to play for his country any longer, rather than the whole thing being about whoever the coach is," said Smith.

"We talked about your country being your country and that it shouldn't be based on who you are playing for.

"Although we are not happy with a situation like that, we do feel this is not an administrative matter. This is more of a football matter between the coach and the player.

"If Kris Boyd announced himself available to play for Scotland in the future, it would be the manager's decision whether to pick him.

"That includes during George Burley's reign or with subsequent managers.

"We could impose restrictions on a future coach over who they play, but, at this stage, we don't want to do that."

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