McClaren twice tried to lure Scholes back to England fold

LONDON, Oct 1 (Reuters) Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes twice turned down offers of an England comeback this year, national coach Steve McClaren said today.

''I asked in the summer, he declined it then, I asked him again last week, he declined again,'' McClaren said in a radio interview.

''He wants to just concentrate on playing for Manchester United and his family, which were his decisions when he retired from international football,'' he told BBC Five Live's Sportsweek programme.

''I respect that decision and I don't expect to be asking him again...(but) the door is always open, I would never close it on Paul Scholes.'' Scholes quit international football two years ago after winning 66 caps and playing in two World Cups.

The 31-year-old has been in good form for United this season after an eye problem ruled him out between January and May.

REUTERS AB RK1802