Scott Arfield in World Cup tease as Rangers star tells Canada 'never say never' over retirement U-turn

Midfielder Scott Arfield has issued a 'never say never' message to Canada over an international retirement U-turn.

Arfield took a step back from the international stage in January this year, but insists he cannot rule out a return ahead of this year's World Cup. He enjoyed 19 outings for his country, earning his latest as captain in a 4-1 defeat to USA back in November 2019. But he has since fallen out of the international picture.

The Rangers star called time on his Canada career earlier this year after a two-year absence from the squad. But he watched his old teammates secure a spot in this winter's competition in Qatar, sparking some potential interest for an international return. The 33-year-old's decision to step away from John Herdman's side was right for Arifeld at the time as he looked to focus on his club future in Govan, with the likes of the Europa League Final and a return to Champions League football coming since as well as some domestic silverware. But the former Falkirk and Burnley man is not ruling out a dramatic U-turn in the coming months, despite it being almost three years since he made an appearance for this country.

Arfield's return has been suggested as a solution to the Herdman's woes in the World Cup warm up games in Vienna and Bratislava, with Canada now facing a midfield crisis with Beskitas' Atiba Hutchinson and Jonathon Osorio both injured. Speaking to OneSoccer, Arfield said: "Around my career at the time, two years ago when I took the decision - things happen in life which you keep in house but it was an incredibly hard decision.

"In terms of retirement I am very content with what I did. I can give full focus to my club which I wanted to do - to come here and be as successful as I