Davie Provan has urged the SFA to pull the plug on the pointless mid-summer friendlies against Peru and Mexico.
Stewart Regan’s parting gift before quitting the SFA was to set up the matches on May 29 and June 2 without consulting the Professional Game Board.
Peter Lawwell has already expressed his surprise at the matches being arranged while Brendan Rodgers expects his players to take advantage of every day of rest before the serious action resumes in early July with Champions League qualifiers.
After beating Hungary 1-0 last month the games have been talked up with James McFadden threatening any player that pulls out through injury.
Provan knows that the international scene is a sideshow compared to club business and didn’t mince his words when discussing travelling halfway across the world for pointless friendlies.
In The Sun Provan explained: “Scotland coach James McFadden sees it differently, claiming nobody will be excused from the trip.
“Faddy said: “There is no one who definitely won’t be on the trip. If people are selected and pull out when they aren’t injured, they will face the consequences.”
“James, son, we’re not well enough off for players to be threatening them. In the meantime, I’d love to hear Brendan Rodgers’ take on this trip.
“With Celtic facing Champions League qualifiers at the beginning of July, why would any Hoops player want to be in Mexico on June 2?
“Players of Rangers, Aberdeen and Hibs are in the same boat, with potential Europa League games on July 12.
“If Eck leaves the Celtic contingent out then picks players from rival clubs, he’ll be slaughtered. If he leaves everyone out, this double- header will be worthless.
“We can only hope someone on Hampden’s sixth floor sees sense. After a long season, players need this journey like a hole in the head.
“The SFA should forfeit the appearance money and scrap it.”
Looking back at his own international career Provan added: “My international career ended over a close-season friendly in Poland.
“I’d been in the squad for the Home Internationals but didn’t get a sniff of a game.
“I withdrew from the squad heading for Warsaw to rest a long-term ankle problem.
“When Jock Stein asked me to take a cortisone injection, I refused. I wasn’t picked again.
“Regrets? None at all. My job was to be ready for the new season with Celtic and there’s the rub. A player’s first obligation is to his club, not the international team.”