Smith questions timing of Ferguson outburst

Former national team captain Ferguson launched a stinging attack on the SFA over their handling of the 'Boozegate' affair in an interview published in Monday's Evening Times, branding the organisation a "joke".

"The timing's obviously planned to try to be negative regarding something to do with the team," said Smith, speaking at Glasgow Airport as the Scotland squad arrived for their flight to Oslo.

"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."

Ferguson and Allan McGregor were banned from representing Scotland ever again for their behaviour while on international duty against Holland and Iceland last season.

The pair indulged in an early-hours drinking session at the team hotel in the wake of March's World Cup qualifying defeat in Amsterdam.

They then reacted to being dropped to the bench against Iceland days later by flicking V-signs at photographers.

Scotland assistant manager Terry Butcher also claimed he had not read the article but was just as critical of its timing.

"It's not good timing when it comes two days before one of the most important matches Scotland will ever play," he said. "I'm sure the squad will just be focused on getting the result out there so we'll leave it at that."