Scottish: Ferguson should be fit for Scotland

Rangers manager Alex McLeish is confident midfielder Barry Ferguson will be available to play for Scotland boss Berti Vogts next week.

The Ibrox captain has been struggling with a rib injury but is set to play in the Scottish Premier League game against Livingston this weekend.

‘‘Barry is coming on well and is totally focused on getting back to full fitness. But it is up to him to say when he can play without discomfort,’’ McLeish told Rangers News.

‘‘Taking injections isn’t an option that’s why he hasn’t played in the last 14 days. We wanted to allow the injury to heal naturally.

‘‘Obviously, Barry wants to play a key part in the SPL run-in and the Scottish Cup final.

‘‘I spoke with Berti and he told me he was keen to have Barry and Stephen Hughes available for the Nigeria game.

‘‘Berti said he would play him for part of the game at Pittodrie if he was fit.

‘‘The fact he is only looking to do that is a bonus given that the cup final is only 17 days away a bit close for comfort.

‘‘We don’t have a problem with any player going away with Scotland providing he is fit.

‘‘If Barry plays before the international, he will be available to Berti. If not, he could be a doubt. However, it is likely he will feature against Livingston.’’