Driver is wanted by Levein should he return to action and form

Hearts winger Andrew Driver will be offered the opportunity to play for Scotland under new coach Craig Levein.

Levein has also left the door open for previously banned duo Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor and the self-exiled striker Kris Boyd to return.

And he hopes that England Under-21 winger Driver might also wish to switch allegiances if he is in good form.

"I would like Driver included, if he is doing well," said Levein. "If he does not want to come along then so be it."

The four British home nations recently agreed to change the eligibility rules to include those with five years schooling in a country.

That gives 22-year-old Driver, who had represented Scotland at schoolboy level, the opportunity to switch should he decide to do so.

My remit as manager is to try and qualify for the next tournament and I will not be ruling out any players Scotland coach Craig Levein

Previous Scotland manager George Burley had been close to including Driver in his squad before the winger suffered injury.

"Andy Driver is a good player at Hearts and I want him as well under these new rules," said Levein, whose appointment was confirmed on Wednesday.

Indeed, Levein will look to explore every avenue to find new talent for Scotland's international sides from youth to senior level.

"I will talk to every club in England at the top two levels and see if they have any player - from seniors to youths - with a Scottish granny," said the former Hearts defender.

Levein is determined not to close the door on any player capable of improving the results of a side who have dropped to 46th in the world rankings and have not qualified for the finals of a major tournament since the 1998 World Cup in France.

That includes Rangers pair Boyd and Lee McCulloch, who both called an end to their international careers under Burley.

Ibrox team-mates McGregor and Ferguson were also barred from the national squad under Burley following rude gestures made from the stand during the qualifier against Iceland after they were dropped as a result of a late-night drinking session.

Ferguson, who has since left for Birmingham, this month said he would not rule out an international return.

"If Barry has said that then that is fantastic," said Levein.

"My remit as manager is to try and qualify for the next tournament and I will not be ruling out any players.

"Whether those players want to come is a different matter.

"Let's be honest, we are not a big nation, we need every top quality player, not just willing to come along, but when they do come along, willing to roll their sleeves up and really give it a go.

"If there are people who don't want to be involved then so be it, but I will be giving everyone an opportunity."

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