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10pm

James McFadden played the entire 90 mins of Scotland's friendly with Austria at Hampden tonight, although in truth it was a night to forget as the Austrians ran out comfortable 2-0 winners with Faddy struggling to make any sort of impact on the match.

11.20am

In today's local press, Terry Butcher apologised for his side's performance at Firhill last Saturday, saying:
"That was a real shocker. It was without a shadow of a doubt our worst performance of the campaign. However, it’s been the story of our season as we seem to be a real Jekyll and Hyde team. I would just like to apologise to the supporters who came through in great numbers to Firhill for the lack of entertainment. It was a dire match from our point of view as we can play much, much better.

"I’ve spoken to the players about the game and it’s not as if they set out to deliberately lose the match. We just lost too many individual battles against Thistle and, for some reason, we lacked that necessary spark. However, we can’t afford any more performances like the one on Saturday. Maybe it was a reaction from last week after the lads had read so much good press about themselves, although I don’t really know. I’ve looked for excuses, but I can’t find any to explain the display against Partick. We’ve just got to forget about it and concentrate on the next game."

Of course, the next game is the crunch match with Dundee Utd at Fir Park, and TB added:
"Undoubtedly this is our biggest game of the season, but the players have played in front of a big crowd at Hampden, while millions watched on the TV, so they’ve proved they can handle the pressure. Certainly it’s a different kind of pressure than the one we faced when playing Rangers in the cup semi-final, although I think we can take plenty from our cup performances ahead of the game against Dundee Utd in that we were put under pressure for all the games, but managed to respond to it. It’s going to be a very nervy and tense game and even if we turn in an ugly display, but win it, then I’ll be happy. I’m not saying we’re going out on Saturday to try and play ugly football as I want to put on a good show. However, our pitch doesn’t really lend itself to playing good football, so I don’t think it’s going to be pretty. Basically the team that goes out and takes this game by the scruff of the neck and fights and scraps for everything will be the team that wins the game.

"Even if we lose the game on Saturday nothing will be decided that day There are still some big games to be played between now and the end of the season and Dundee Utd could still drop points. But a win for us could really give us a huge lift for the remainder of the season and that’s what we’ll be going for."

Keith Lasley will miss the United game as he completes his two-match ban, but Stephen Pearson is finally free from suspension and Scott Leitch should also return after missing the Partick game with a chest infection.

Ahead of tonight's Scotland v Austria match at Hampden, which will see James McFadden make his first start in a Scotland shirt, Terry Butcher said:
"I believe he’s going to start the game, so I’m hoping he’ll play the first 45 minutes, score two goals and be on a high for the game against Dundee Utd! He’s enjoyed a good couple of weeks, especially after the Rangers game, although if the squad had been announced after Saturday’s games and Berti had watched James against Partick, then I don’t think he’d start. However, he proved in the semi-final at Hampden he can handle the pressure and this kind of situation is James’ cup of tea."

TB also congraulated Faddy on picking up the Young Player of the Year award, adding:
"I’m pleased for him as it’s a big honour, not just for James, but the club as well. He’s really taken the SPL by storm and has done extremely well considering this is just his first full season."

Stephen Pearson played the full 90 mins of Scotland Under-21s 1-0 win over Austria last night, although Stevie Hammell missed out completely. Could be have been carrying a slight knock?

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