Butcher confirms McFadden’s suspension

Terry Butcher has confirmed that Scotland have been told that James McFadden’s yellow card against Macedonia on Saturday cannot be appealed.

The result means that the Birmingham forward will definitely miss the crucial World Cup qualifier against Holland at Hampden Park on Wednesday.

Butcher has called an end to the matter and has issued a rallying cry for another squad member to come to the fore and replace the influential McFadden.

Scotland manager George Burley has called-up midfielder Gavin Rae and young West Brom striker Graham Dorrans as back-up as doubts remain over the fitness of Scott Brown while defender Callum Davidson is a definite absentee.

“We contacted FIFA but that’s it as far as they are concerned. There is no appeal, the booking stands and Faddy doesn’t play on Wednesday,” Butcher said.

“We draw a line under that now and we have to move on.

“There are a couple who aren’t available to play on Wednesday so we have added Graham Dorrans and Gavin Rae to the squad so that gives us more bodies and options in midfield.

“It’s an opportunity for other people to step in and if they can, try to fill Faddy’s shoes.”

Butcher refused to criticise McFadden for the manner in which he got booked, for his part in a melee although the 26-year-old pleaded it had been a case of mistaken identity.

“I’ve had some ridiculous booking in the past as well,” he added.

“This one was a situation where there was a melee with Scott Brown and everyone else and it was pleasing to see our players trying to protect Scott because he looked like he was in the Land of the Giants with all those big Macedonians around him.

“Sometimes you can get caught up in it and the referee is under pressure to take action and flash the cards and control the situation.

“I think it was the assistant who helped in terms of getting Faddy booked but it’s gone now and we move on from it.

“It’s desperately disappointing for Faddy and the country and the team but there are other players who want to prove a point.”