Butcher slams Ferguson timing

Former national team captain Ferguson laid into the SFA over their handling of the 'Boozegate' affair in an interview published in Monday's Evening Times.

Butcher, who insisted he had yet to read the article, was nevertheless critical of its timing, saying: "It's not good timing when it comes two days before one of the most important matches Scotland will ever play."

He added: "I'm sure the squad will just be focused on getting the result out there so we'll leave it at that."

If the article was designed as a distraction, Butcher was confident it will fail.

He added: "There's some young players out there, some exciting young players as well as older players as well. It's a very good blend.

"It's a squad that's evolving, it's a squad that's going forward and hopefully going forward well in Oslo."

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith accused Ferguson of deliberately trying to disrupt Scotland's preparations.

"The timing's obviously planned to try to be negative regarding something to do with the team," said Smith.

"If Barry Ferguson wants to make comments, that's entirely up to him. Regardless of what he said, we have no response to it because we're just concentrating on an important game."