Scotland can’t afford any more player scandals

SCOTLAND’S Euro hopes rest on new boss Craig Levein ruling the squad with a rod of iron.

Dark Blue legend Asa Hartford reckons former manager George Burley was too soft with the squad.

That led to the ‘Boozegate’ scandal which shocked Scottish football and killed off any chance of World Cup glory in South Africa.

Burley ultimately paid the price for the World Cup disaster when he was axed.

And Hartford, who made 50 appearances for the Scots, insists his successor must be a harsh disciplinarian.

Hartford said: “Levein must be extremely strict in the Euro qualifying campaign and bring discipline to the squad.

“There cannot be another opportunity for the players to step out of line again.

“He must take a hard line, because that ‘Boozegate’ scandal cost Scotland two of their best players at a vital time in the World Cup qualifying campaign.

“Modern players have too much money and are used to getting their own way – they need a disciplinarian to keep them in line.

“The situation got out of hand with Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor and had a negative effect on the campaign.

“Everything needs to run smoothly for Scotland to have any chance of qualifying for the Euros.

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