Bardsley resistant to a switch of nationality

PHIL Bardsley, expected to make his Rangers debut against Hearts today, remains determined to play for England in spite of the combined efforts of Sir Alex Ferguson and Walter Smith to make him switch his allegiance to the land of his father.

The 21-year-old Manchester United defender, who has joined Rangers on loan, is eligible to play for Scotland through his Glasgow-born but Salford-bred father. Bardsley revealed that Scotland manager Smith, who spent six months as assistant to Ferguson at United, went to the club's training ground last year to make a personal request for the youngster to make himself available for selection.

"My Dad was born in Glasgow but only stayed there for a couple of days and I thought that was the last of it really," said Bardsley. "Then I was training at Manchester United last year and Walter Smith had been down watching the session. Sir Alex Ferguson called me to his office after the session and Walter Smith was waiting for me. We had a chat about it and it would be a fantastic opportunity for me if England doesn't work out.

"I have to look into it. My intentions are to play for England, but if it's on the cards for me to play for Scotland I'll think about it. Certainly, Sir Alex is always talking to me about it. I haven't played for England at any level yet, but I'll just have to wait and see."

Gaining regular first team football with United remains Bardsley's priority, although he did not rule out extending his stay with Rangers. "I'd be silly to turn down a move to Rangers," he said. "It's a great chance for me to play week in, week out and progress in my career.

"It's a great opportunity for me which hopefully I can grab with both hands. At the moment it's a loan move, but you never know what could happen. I'm fit and ready to play against Hearts and hopefully get off to a winning start."

Taken from the Scotsman