George Burley, the Scotland manager, has reacted to Kris Boyd's decision to “retire” from international football, by saying he is only interested in selecting players who will "fight for the cause".

The Rangers striker confirmed yesterday that he will no longer make himself available for selection for Scotland as long as Burley remains in charge. The news was a further blow for the Scotland manager after Saturday’s disappointing 0-0 draw against Norway at Hampden Park.

Boyd started and finished the match on the bench, and it proved the final straw for the 25-year-old, who has played just 28 minutes for Scotland in six matches since Burley took charge.

However, Burley hit back today by questioning Boyd's dedication to his country. "Kris is disappointed not to play but this is your country you're talking about," he said. "I've never had a cross word with Kris. They come in, stay at five-star hotels, in this day and age they have massive wages.

"How much do you care? You don't need to like everybody. This is your country.

"Okay, he didn't get on but the only way Kris Boyd is going to get in the team is playing regular, showing what he can do, coming to the squad and looking lively and bright and look better than the other strikers. That's how you get in the team.

"You have got to show that passion and if you don't want to show it, you make that decision that you want to step out, fine. We have big games coming up, people might think we are out of it but we're not, we are in second position.

"We need people wanting to fight for the cause, go to war for the country. Roll your sleeves up and go for it."