Scotland captain Barry Ferguson admits he can understand why Kris Boyd decided to quit playing football for his country.

Boyd announced on Sunday he would no longer consider playing for Scotland while manager George Burley is in charge.

The Rangers striker took the decision to hang up his international boots after he was an un-used substitute during Saturday's goalless draw against Norway in Glasgow.

Ferguson admits he is disappointed to see his Rangers team-mate stop playing for Scotland, but also has sympathy for the forward.

"Boydy is in the same sort of situation at Rangers, but he knows that he is going to get on if things are not going well and I think he was just disappointed he didn't get a chance to go on and play when obviously he has seen the two boys go on before him," Ferguson said.

"I can understand Boydy is frustrated because it is not just me, I think everyone knows when he goes on the pitch nine times out of ten Boydy is going to score.

"I think there is a little disappointment and sadness for his part, he just wants to play and obviously he didn't so he has come to a decision which we have got to respect.

"Obviously I am disappointed that he is not going to be involved in the next couple of squads because obviously as captain I want the best players to be there and Boydy is certainly one of, if not the best strikers about in terms of goals, so I am disappointed in that way.

"As I say it is Kris' decision, obviously he has thought long and hard about it and we have got to respect it."