The Blues boss has been accused of trying to talk Ferguson out of returning to play international football but McLeish has denied these allegations.
Ferguson and goalkeeper Allan McGregor had a drinking session after they had lost to Holland earlier this year resulting in both players being named as substitutes for the following match against Iceland in April where they made rude gestures towards tv cameras. This resulted in them being banned from playing for Scotland whilst George Burley was in charge of the team.
But with a new manager, Craig Levein now appointed, Ferguson is being tipped for a recall to the international scene.
"People are saying I'm trying to talk him out of it and discourage him from playing for Scotland. But all I pointed out, from my own personal experience, is the intensity of balancing club and international football," McLeish has said.
"There is definitely a tiredness in players when they come back from internationals.
"Barry gives absolutely everything in every training session and in every game he plays.
"When Craig speaks to him personally, then that will be decision time for Barry.
"It really is the individual's choice."