Burley to confront Boyd issues

11:23am Monday 13th October 2008

Scotland manager George Burley is set to give his side of the story on Monday following Kris Boyd's international retirement.

The Rangers striker, 25, has informed both Burley and the Scottish Football Association that he does not wish to be considered for selection while Burley is at the helm, and the Scotland manager is sure to face questions on the subject when he faces the press.

Burley did release a statement on Sunday which read: "I've spoken with Kris and he told me that he was disappointed not to play on Saturday or in the last couple of matches. He said that he did not want to be considered for future Scotland squads so that he can concentrate on his club career."

The statement continued: "It is disappointing that he has chosen to do this at a crucial time in our World Cup campaign, but it is his decision to make and I will, of course, respect it."

Boyd has played just 28 minutes of the six matches since the former Hearts and Southampton boss took over the role of national team coach in January.

Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith hopes Boyd will have a change of heart.

"We must always respect a player when he makes that decision," said Smith. "It's a shame that Kris is not going to be available for us in the future. But it's his decision and we have to go along with it.

"Lee McCulloch (who has also announced his international retirement) said it was because of his personal circumstances. If Kris Boyd is saying it's because of George Burley then that's unfortunate.

"If Kris spent a bit more time thinking about it, he might have changed his mind, maybe it was a quick reaction to how he feels.

"He may change his mind and hopefully he will because he would certainly be a very important player to have in the squad."

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