Kris Boyd's international retirement was confirmed yesterday in a conversation with George Burley that lasted less than a minute.

Kris Boyd's international retirement was confirmed yesterday in a conversation with George Burley that lasted less than a minute.

The Herald understands the Scotland national manager returned the striker's call yesterday afternoon and accepted his decision without any attempt to make the 25-year-old reconsider. Boyd has now made himself unavailable for selection for the remainder of the Burley era, despite Gordon Smith, the chief executive of the Scottish FA, urging the Rangers striker to think again when the player contacted him on Saturday night.

Boyd's status as fifth-choice international striker proved the final straw. He is understood to have been livid that Burley turned to Chris Iwelumo and Steven Fletcher, both earning their first competitive senior caps, as Scotland chased an elusive goal. Iwelumo's miss from two yards out merely compounded his anguish but a poor attitude in training last week was a contributing factor in Boyd being overlooked.

"I left a message on George Burley's phone last Saturday night and he hadn't got back to me," Boyd said yesterday. "I didn't think just leaving a message was very professional, so I spoke with Gordon Smith and informed him of my decision. I will not be playing for George Burley again, but I hope to be back in a Scotland jersey again one day."

A nightmare scenario is now unfolding for the beleaguered Burley, whose objective of leading Scotland into the World Cup finals was severely dented by Saturday's goalless draw against Norway at Hampden Park. The aftermath also puts mounting pressure on the SFA to resolve the mounting disenchantment before Scotland resume their Group 9 campaign away to Holland in March.

The manager's popularity is plummeting in the media and among the Tartan Army, and he is facing a potential mutiny. Boyd's decision comes a month after Lee McCulloch announced he would no longer play for Scotland for family reasons.

Other grumbles of discontent have been heard from within the camp and The Herald understands senior figures in the squad have become concerned by what they believe to be decision by committee, manifested in Tommy McLean's growing influence within the coaching set-up. McLean, the former Rangers youth coach, has been relaying messages via earpiece from the stand to Burley's assistant, Terry Butcher, on matchday.

Last night, Burley released a statement conveying his disappointment at the timing of Boyd's decision. "I've spoken with Kris and he told me that he was disappointed not to play on Saturday or in the last couple of matches," said Burley.

"He said that he did not want to be considered for future Scotland squads so that he can concentrate on his club career. It is disappointing that he has chosen to do this at a crucial time in our World Cup campaign, but it is his decision to make and I will, of course, respect it."

On Saturday, Burley defended his exclusion of Boyd. "Kris has got to establish himself in the Rangers team, which he hasn't done," he said. "Chris Iwelumo came on because he's been playing regularly and has scored eight goals in six games for Wolves. You're always looking for players to prove themselves, and Boyd is not any different from anyone else in the squad."