The former Manchester United full-back, who had a spell on loan at Rangers last season, qualifies to play for George Burley's team because his dad, Tony, was born in Glasgow.

But he could choose England or Republic of Ireland.

Bardsley is playing regular Premier League football after his £2million switch to the Black Cats last month.

And former Rangers team-mate Kris Boyd and Man Utd pal Darren Fletcher have been trying to convince Bardsley, 22, to come out and say he wants to wear the dark blue.

His father said: "Phil still keeps in touch with some of the boys at Rangers and is close friends with Darren from their time at United. He and Kris have been on to him about playing for Scotland. When Walter Smith was Scotland manager he spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson about Phil.

"Now he is playing at Sunderland on a regular basis, Scotland are keen on him again. I'd obviously like to see him play for Scotland but the decision is down to him."