George Burley has held clear-the-air talks with his Scotland players to ensure there is no further unrest within the camp. Rangers contingent Lee McCulloch and Kris Boyd have both quit the national team since the arrival of Burley and rumours had circulated that Barry Ferguson could be next.
"I spoke to one or two players and they are annoyed at certain rumours that were mischievous and disappointing," Burley told the Scottish Mail on Sunday.
"I know Barry was disappointed that people have been asking about his commitment to the country - and I have spoken to others too.
"I think Barry was hurt by that. He is desperate to play for his country. There were rumours that he was thinking of pulling out but he categorically told me that was never the case."
Ferguson has missed all six games of the Burley era through injury and the Scotland boss added: "Unfortunately he's missed the campaign so far because of injury and we've got our fingers crossed he can play a big part from now on."