SFA attempts to calm storm over Ferguson and McGregor

Scotland's Barry Ferguson makes his feelings clear during the World Cup qualifier against Iceland

Scotland's Barry Ferguson makes his feelings clear during the World Cup qualifier against Iceland. Photograph: PA/PA

Scotland players will be issued with a "code of conduct" to prevent a repeat of the drinking incident which led to Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor being dropped for the World Cup qualifying win over Iceland.

The Rangers players Ferguson and McGregor arrived back from Saturday's 3-0 defeat in Holland in the early hours of Sunday morning and began a drinking session at Cameron House Hotel in Loch Lomond that reportedly lasted until lunchtime.

Both players had their names booed by Scotland fans at Hampden last night. Afterwards, the national manager George Burley claimed Ferguson would continue as captain and McGregor would still be in his goalkeeping plans for the next competitive game against Norway in August.

The Scottish Football Association's chief executive Gordon Smith said he backed Burley but put in place plans to avoid further embarrassment. "I have met with George Burley today and we have spoken about the events of the past few days. I fully support George's decision, which was obviously taken with the best interests of the team and the country in mind.

"He knew how vital it was to win on Wednesday and the action he took was deigned to ensure that we got the three points. What is clear, though, is that this type of incident must not be allowed to happen again. George, like any other manager, relies on his players to act in a responsible manner while they are representing their country.

"We will be issuing players with a code of conduct and will be tightening up arrangements within the team hotel. Where any player does not meet the standards required of a Scotland international, they will be dealt with swiftly and effectively.

"Everyone is right behind George and the team as they aim to take us to the World Cup. The incidents leading up to the Iceland game were unfortunate and could have been a distraction ahead of the match. Thankfully, it was dealt with quickly and the players were able to concentrate on the task at hand and secure the win.

"We now consider this matter to be closed," Smith said in an SFA statement.

Darren Fletcher insisted the Rangers pair had their team-mates' support. "Allan and Barry are valuable members of our squad and it's great to have them in the squad, and they will be big players for Scotland in the future.

"That's the unanimous view. Barry's a great captain and he has got our backing," he said.

Craig Gordon, who reclaimed his No1 spot from McGregor after being left out against Holland, said: "The players were aware of the incident; we hoped it would not come out but, in football, it's hard to keep these things quiet.

"The players and management dealt with it and hopefully it's behind us now. But there is absolutely no doubt that they should be in the next squad.

"You need your best players and, without doubt, those two should be in every squad; they are our best players."

Taken from the Guardian/Observer