Angry Boyd quits Scotland under Burley

The Rangers striker, 25, informed both Burley and the Scottish Football Association on Sunday that he does not wish to be considered for selection while Burley is at the helm.

Boyd has played just 28 minutes of the six matches since the former Ipswich, Derby, Hearts and Southampton boss took over the role of national team coach in January.

The final straw was being left on the bench for 90 minutes as Scotland were held to a goalless draw by Norway in Saturday's World Cup qualifier at Hampden.

Burley said: "I've spoken with Kris and he told me that he was disappointed not to play on Saturday or in the last couple of matches. He said that he did not want to be considered for future Scotland squads, so that he can concentrate on his club career.

"It is disappointing that he has chosen to do this at a crucial time in our World Cup campaign, but it is his decision to make and I will, of course, respect it."

"I left a message on George Burley's phone last night and he hadn't got back to me," Boyd said.

"I didn't think just leaving a message was very professional, so I spoke with Gordon Smith and informed him of my decision."

But Boyd insisted that he had not closed the door on his Scotland career completely, adding: "I will not be playing for George Burley again, but I hope to be back in a Scotland jersey again one day." With seven goals from 15 appearances for the national team, he would have been disappointed to remain on the bench for the entire game against Norway.

Having started with James McFadden as the lone striker, Burley then turned to Steven Fletcher and Chris Iwelumo - with just one cap between them - in a vain attempt to claim a win.

Boyd's stance follows the decision of Rangers club-mate Lee McCulloch to retire from international football last month.