Holt calls on SPFL to help the bigger picture
Gary Holt insists the SPFL must do everything to help Scotland’s Euro 2020 bid – and Celtic and Rangers’ continental campaigns.
Scottish FA president, Rod Petrie, has backed a league shutdown before Scotland face Israel in their crunch Playoff semi-final clash at Hampden on March 26.
It has been suggested that is unlikely, however, with League chiefs feeling hamstrung by a crowded fixture calendar and prior TV commitments.
But Holt, who won ten caps for Scotland between 2000 and 2004, is adamant the authorities simply have to do all they can to aid the national team.
And the Livingston manager believes more can also be done to assist both Celtic and Rangers to continue to thrive in the Europa League.
The Hoops have already qualified for the last 32, while the Light Blues are just 90 minutes against Young Boys away from also securing European football after Christmas.
Holt said: “I think we should be giving as much help as we can to our representatives at international and European level.
“It’s all about growing the game. We all benefit from it.
“I don’t see why there should be an argument. There shouldn’t even be a discussion.
“If the international is being played on the Thursday night against
Israel, no games the weekend before – done!
“Who cares who has got two bob’s worth to say about it?
“I just think we never seem to go out of our way to help people. Holy smoke, give them the best chance.
“We want Celtic and Rangers to progress and help the co-efficient and all the rest of it – yet we don’t want to help them get there?
“You can’t have your cake and eat it.
“It’s the same with the international games.
“We want everybody to do really well and all the good stuff that goes with it. But how much do we really help them?
“Around Europe, if a country’s team is playing in the Champions League semi-final they say, ‘Right, there’s no game’. Just like that.
“I think something’s got to be done to help our representatives – and I’m not a Rangers or a Celtic fan.
“But I am a Scotland fan.”
The SPFL Premiership fixtures immediately before Scotland play Israel are –
Celtic v St. Johnstone; Hamilton Accies v Hibernian; Hearts v Ross County; Livingston v Aberdeen; Motherwell v Kilmarnock; St. Mirren v Rangers.
All are currently scheduled for Saturday, March 21, with none down for live TV.