Stars sign up to learn their trade

Jun 8 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

A HOST of Scotland's international stars are keen on becoming coaches before the end of their careers.

The SFA's assistant director of football development Tam McIntyre has revealed several of George Burley's national side have expressed an interest in doing their B licence while they're still playing.

The likes of Old Firm captains Barry Ferguson and Stephen McManus have committed themselves to the idea - with Rangers' Murray Park and Celtic's Lennoxtown complex likely venues.

McIntyre was delighted with the response he got from the Scotland squad at a recent Loch Lomond get-together.

He said: "We have a B licence for players and had 32 on it last year.

"Walter Smith suggested doing it during the international break because there was a free two weeks and it proved successful.

"The problem then was getting internationalists involved.

"But George invited me down to Loch Lomond before the Croatia game in March and I spoke to the squad.

"I asked who would be interested in getting into the coaching side and there must have been about 10 of them.

"Guys such as Kris Boyd, Barry Ferguson, Stephen McManus and Shaun Maloney all put their hands up.

"It's encouraging to see so many wanting to do it now rather than wait.

"Walter has offered Murray Park and Steven Pressley will speak to Gordon Strachan about using Lennoxtown too.

"The idea is in its infancy but it would be good to do something with them.

"Davie Weir has suggested to us that Monday afternoons and Wednesdays might be the best times."

The Rangers veteran was one of a number of pros taking their introductory course at Largs last week.

McIntyre admits he was impressed with the Ibrox defender - especially after his 61-game marathon campaign with Gers.

Tam said: "David has been excellent so far.

"He has taken part in every session which is incredible after the season he has had.

"Attention to detail is important and he's always the first one to say he'll take part in the drills."