Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor could yet make a dramatic return to the Scotland squad after Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith today revealed he would consider overturning their lifetime bans.

Rangers duo Ferguson and McGregor were told by the SFA they would "no longer be considered for international selection" following their behaviour whilst on national team duty just over two months ago.

In an unscheduled phone call to BBC Scotland's Sportsound programme, Smith said: "If George Burley was very strong on it then we would have to look at it very closely, of course we would."

After the punishment was issued, Smith immediately cast doubt on its permanency by suggesting the decision could be overturned were there a change of regime at the SFA.

He went further on Saturday, revealing if Scotland manager George Burley wanted to recall Ferguson and McGregor, he would be prepared to put the matter back before the current SFA board.

He added: "I would think in most circumstances the board of directors might actually take it on board if George Burley was so intent on bringing these players back for very good reason.

"George would have to be the one that would have to come and say he's got a change of decision."