Birmingham City (5/1 to be relegated from the Premier League)  midfielder Barry Ferguson has retired from international duty with Scotland, according to national boss Craig Levein.

The former Rangers captain had been banned from playing for his country in April 2009 after a series of misdemeanours, however the latest Scotland boss was hoping to get the holding midfielder to play for the national team ahead of the European Championship qualification stages.

He said: “I am naturally disappointed not to call on Barry’s abilities and experience for the Euro 2012 qualification campaign.

“Birmingham returned to pre-season training yesterday and when we spoke last night, he said that both family commitments and his commitment to Birmingham City were the priorities in his life at the moment.

“I wish him the best of luck and we now move on with our preparations for the qualification campaign, starting with the friendly against Sweden next month,? he added.

Ferguson made 45 appearances for his country with 28 of those as captain, making his debut at the age of 20 in 1998.