Former Scotland boss George Burley says it is time to "move on"

Former Scotland manager George Burley would not be surprised to see a number of players return to the national side under his successor Craig Levein.

Kris Boyd and Lee McCulloch both ruled themselves out of selection under Burley, who was sacked in November.

And Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor were axed following the 'Boozegate' scandal affair while on Scotland duty.

But Burley told BBC 5live that "everybody makes mistakes and you've got to move on".

Burley, 53, was sacked as Scotland manager after 22 months in charge following a poor sequence of results, winning just three of his 14 games.

The former Ipswich and Hearts boss failed to guide the Scots to the World Cup finals in South Africa and he was sacked following friendly defeats by Japan and Wales.

His turbulent tenure saw Boyd exclude himself from selection for the national side while Burley remained in charge, and McCulloch announced his international retirement.

I'm sure the boys were disappointed at what happened but I think in life you've got to move on Former Scotland boss George Burley

Burley's problems were exacerbated by Ferguson and McGregor's indiscipline while on Scotland duty, followed by their bans from future selection.

However, the former Scotland manager told BBC 5live that while mistakes had been made, his successor may see things differently.

"It's up to the manager and the SFA to decide," Burley said.

"Kris Boyd is playing terrifically well in the last year and in his all-round game. He's always been a goalscorer and he's an automatic choice at Rangers.

"At the time, before the Norway game, Kris wasn't playing regularly for Rangers and I had to make a choice who I was going to bring off the bench."

Referring to the infamous Boozegate scandal involving Ferguson and McGregor, Burley said: "With the other situation, that will be down to the SFA and Craig Levein to decide.

"Everybody makes mistakes and you've got to move on. I'm sure the boys were disappointed at what happened but I think in life you've got to move on."

Burley, who has yet to take up another managerial post, said he had enjoyed his time in charge of Scotland.

"I felt the squad was getting stronger and in the last two home games I thought the team was tremendous," he added.

"But there's no doubt we're not maybe bringing through the quality players that we once did."

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