Butcher opposed to Novo switch

By PA Sport  October 28, 2008
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Butcher opposed to Novo switch
Butcher opposed to Novo switch


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Scotland assistant manager Terry Butcher has branded the prospect of Nacho Novo playing for the national team as "absurd."

The Rangers striker would qualify for selection if he applied for a British passport after spending eight years in the country. And he has revealed he would be willing to switch allegiance from Spain to Scotland if approached by the Scottish Football Association.

Butcher said: "To have obvious non-nationals representing a country is absurd. It would make football the ultimate Fantasy League. It's demeaning."



He added: "This whole idea first surfaced with Arsenal's Spanish goalkeeper Manuel Almunia expressing a desire to turn out for England.

"Then Novo said he would be 'very interested in playing for Scotland' should the SFA give him a call. Am I missing something here?

"I know this procedure occurs in other sports but for football I'd draw the line at this.

"The rules have been massaged to allow the birthplaces of parents and grandparents to count but that is the furthest they should be stretched.

"I know people will look at me as an Englishman coaching Scotland but that is another matter entirely and cannot be compared to playing for your nation."

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