Burley decision backed

Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor were today condemned by fans and former players for the late-night drinking session that saw them axed for Scotland's vital World Cup qualifier with Iceland tonight.

The Rangers duo were caught by manager George Burley in the bar area of the Cameron House Hotel in Loch Lomond hours after their team-mates had retired to their rooms following the squad's return from Saturday's 3-0 defeat in Holland.

A row between the trio ensued and a furious Burley responded by dropping captain Ferguson, 31, and goalkeeper McGregor, 27, from the starting line-up for tonight's must-win Group Nine clash. The players apologised for their behaviour today and it was confirmed this afternoon that both would start on the bench at Hampden.

Nevertheless, their antics could hardly have come at a worse time for Scotland, whose dream of reaching next summer's World Cup finals will be all but over should they fail to win tonight.

Former Celtic skipper Tom Boyd, who won 72 caps for Scotland, believes Ferguson in particular should not have been involved in such an embarrassing incident.

"I've experienced this with Celtic players but I think you have got a totally different culture now," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"With Barry being the national captain, he has to show a bit more responsibility."

Former Manchester United defender Gordon McQueen, who earned 30 caps, told Record PM: "To be drinking in the early hours just days before a crucial game is completely and utterly unacceptable and George is 100% correct to ban them from the game.

"They have let their manager and the country down. It's a disgraceful example of a lack of respect for the jersey and it's hard to believe they have carried on this way."

Tam Coyle, spokesman for the West of Scotland Tartan Army, told PA Sport: "It is very disappointing. Anything that takes away from the focus of tonight's game is unwelcome."