Ferguson has been in fine form for Birmingham City

Scotland manager Craig Levein has held initial talks with Barry Ferguson about a return to the national team.

"I hope to get down to Birmingham some time very soon and sit down with Barry and James McFadden," said Levein.

"I bumped into him and had a brief discussion with him but that isn't the same as sitting down and having a meeting with somebody.

"I very much want him to be part of the international set-up. I think he is one of our best players."

Now at Birmingham City, Ferguson's international career looked to be over after breaches of discipline when he and Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor were involved in a late-night drinking session in the Scotland team hotel, then made rude gestures to press photographers while on the bench at Hampden.

He and McGregor have not played for Scotland since, but the sacking of manager George Burley and the arrival of Levein has handed the duo, and Rangers striker Kris Boyd - who left the Scotland squad of his own volition - the chance to play for their country again.

Levein told BBC Radio Scotland: "I've had contact with all three. Once there is any definite information with regard to Barry, I'll let you know.

"The other two have stated they want to come back to play for the national team so they will be considered for the Czech Republic game.

"I've been travelling round the country meeting the players. I plan to get round everybody before I name the squad for the game on 3 March."

The new manager of the national team also announced the creation of a database of players eligible to represent Scotland either through established bloodline or the new Home Nations agreement.

Levein, 45, and scout Michael Oliver plan to contact every club and agent in the United Kingdom to try to create a definitive list of players at their disposal.

"We don't actually have a database that gives us the information at the touch of a button," explained Levein.

If there are players out there who can help us, I'd like to know that Scotland manager Craig Levein

"We're trying to establish this with the help of the clubs in England and the players' agents, who are a very important part of the game.

"Sometimes there is a bit of a reluctance from teams in England to give you that information, but it's in the agents' best interests to have international players on their books.

"It's an information-gathering exercise. You never know - we have missed one or two who might be valuable additions to the squad."

And Levein, who will take charge of Scotland for the first time when the Czech Republic visit Hampden for the March friendly, added: "My remit as the manager of the national team is to get us to the Euros in 2012.

"To do that, I want to try to have all the information. If there are players out there who can help us, I'd like to know that."

Reports at the weekend suggested Wigan midfielder James McCarthy could switch allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to Scotland if approached by Levein.

The 19-year-old has yet to represent his adopted nation at full international level, meaning the former Hamilton star could still represent the country of his birth.

Asked to comment on the report, Levein said: "I didn't see the article. I have been informed about it today. I need to establish whether there is any truth in it. If there is, then it's something I can take into consideration."

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