Ferguson (left) was Scotland captain during Alex McLeish's time as manager

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is worried a Scotland return could result in burnout for Barry Ferguson.

The midfielder, 32 in February, has been exiled from internationals since April but is due to discuss a comeback with new Scots boss Craig Levein.

"At Barry's age, there are a lot of demands on his body and he has to consider it very carefully," McLeish told BBC Radio Scotland.

"If he comes back from internationals, he may have to be rested."

Ferguson has been in great form since his summer move from Rangers to St Andrews and has helped the Blues put together a run of 11 games unbeaten in the Premier League.

The former Scotland skipper won the last of his 45 caps in March.

He was involved in a drinking session at the team hotel following the 3-0 loss to the Netherlands and was named as a substitute for the following game against Iceland.

From the bench at Hampden, Ferguson and Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor then made rude gestures to photographers and both men were banned from further internationals.

However, Levein has been promised a clean slate to work with and plans to hold talks with Ferguson and McGregor, as well as Rangers striker Kris Boyd, who refused to play under previous manager George Burley.

Speaking after the appointment of Levein, Ferguson said: "If I do get asked, it's something that I really need to consider and talk to people about.

Barry gives absolutely everything in every training session and in every game he plays Alex McLeish

"Never once did I quit Scotland; Scotland told me I was finished.

"Craig is a great appointment, he is a manager I have a lot of respect for."

McLeish has discussed the possibility of an international return with Ferguson, who he also managed for Rangers and Scotland.

"I can't reveal anything," added McLeish. "When Craig speaks to him personally, then that will be decision time for Barry.

"It really is the individual's choice.

"People are saying I'm trying to talk him out of it and discourage him from playing for Scotland. But all I pointed out, from my own personal experience, is the intensity of balancing club and international football.

"There is definitely a tiredness in players when they come back from internationals.

"Barry gives absolutely everything in every training session and in every game he plays.

"I know he's put himself on the line at times when probably he shouldn't have."

If Ferguson were to make a comeback, there may be a backlash from supporters upset at his previous conduct.

Addressing that concern, McLeish said: "If that was going to be a factor, why does he need to put himself and his family through that?"

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