SPL bosses back Burley kick-off bid

McGhee was one of several Scottish Premier League bosses to back Scotland counterpart George Burley's plea for the season to start a week later than planned to help him prepare for the August 12 World Cup qualifier against Norway.The SPL board meet ton Wednesday to discuss postponing the August 8 start date by one week.Burley wants six days to prepare for the Oslo clash, which was originally scheduled for August 19 until being rescheduled by FIFA.However, reports claim Celtic and Rangers are pressing for the status quo as they fear playing a Champions League qualifier without enough match practice.The new format for the competition next season sees a two-legged play-off round taking place in the final two weeks of August.But McGhee believes the SPL must take a stand for the sake of Burley's national team.The former Scotland striker told Sky Sports News: "I think it would make a huge difference to his preparations and I think we should all be willing to accommodate George and do whatever it takes to help the national team."I think putting the season back by a week is irrelevant in the scheme of things. The national game takes priority."I don't know how the regulations work but the SPL can surely set the rules."If they say it's starting then, then that's when it starts and the Old Firm have to comply."Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood agrees everything should be done to help Scotland's cause."I think we have got to help the Scottish international team as much as possible," Calderwood said."At the last meeting we had, I was amazed at how difficult it is setting dates for the league. I was absolutely amazed."Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies added: "I think we should do what we can to help the Scottish team."There is a big prize at the end of it and I'm sure common sense will prevail and something will be done to help."Inverness boss Terry Butcher, who joined his fellow SPL managers at a Hampden meeting on Wednesday, has a vested interest given his role as Burley's assistant.But the former England captain insists the national team must always take priority."Common sense has to prevail," Butcher said. "It's a difficult time of the year because of the Champions League qualifiers and other things."Celtic and Rangers have their own agenda, as do all the other clubs, but the most important thing for me is the national team."SPL secretary Iain Blair has claimed the Scottish Football Association originally requested that the season start on August 1 to give Scotland players competitive action before facing Norway, who will be in the middle of their domestic season.But he also confirmed the SPL board will discuss the issue on Thursday.

Source: Team_Talk