Terry Butcher feels that James McFadden should stay with Birmingham City and play in the Championship, as opposed to moving to Celtic, as this would be better for the Scottish national team. Craig Brown feels the same but also says Kris Boyd should stay at Ibrox and try and force his way into the Rangers team.

Surely it is better for our international players to play in the Champions League. Butcher's comments are at best, ill-advised, as the Scottish management team should be encouraging their players to play at the highest possible level.

Moving on to Brown, what's good for McFadden must surely be good for Boyd. Boyd was Rangers' top scorer last season but started three out of their 25 European games, domestic finals and Old Firm games. It would be better for him to go if last season's selections continue.

So there we have it, a former national team coach, and the current assistant national coach, telling us players who can't get a game at Rangers should stay, while others shouldn't come to Celtic from the Championship. Is it any wonder Scotland don't do well when the decision makers are so irrational?

Sean Brady, by email