Burley spoke to Ferguson 24 hours before the Rangers and Scotland skipper made his comeback against Inverness yesterday after five months on the sidelines through injury.

Ibrox team-mates Lee McCulloch and Kris Boyd have both quit the national team since the arrival of Burley and rumours had circulated that Ferguson could be next.

But the Scotland boss has been assured by the 30-year-old that he is fully committed to the cause and relishing playing his part in the new regime.

"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 looks set to return to the national fold for the visit of Argentina in a friendly later this month.

Burley 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."