Butcher warns officials to beware Macedonian theatrics

Scotland assistant manager Terry Butcher has warned the officials in charge of his side's crucial World Cup qualifier against Macedonia to beware of Goran Pandev's theatrics.

The issue of diving is a hot topic in Scotland at present after Celtic were pushed towards the Champions League exit by a blatant dive from Arsenal striker Eduardo last week.

Eduardo won and converted a penalty even though there was no contact with Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc. UEFA, European football's governing body, reacted to the storm of controversy by handing Eduardo a two-match European ban.

Then last weekend, Celtic midfielder Aiden McGeady was sent off for diving during his side's victory at Hibernian. Butcher, preparing with boss George Burley for the vital double-header against Macedonia and Holland at Hampden Park, is hoping the referee and his assistants will keen eye on any possible simulation from the visitors, with striker Goran Pandev a particular menace.

Butcher, who revealed that Stephen McManus is in the frame for his first game of the season following Tuesday's withdrawal of Steven Caldwell, said: "We have watched DVDs of Macedonia and Pandev up front is very exciting.

"He scored two good goals against Spain in the last game but he does have a habit of falling to the ground very easily.

"So I'm hoping that the referee will pick up on (SFA chief executive) Gordon Smith's insistence that divers should be punished.

"I don't want to go in to the Eduardo thing, that's history.

But you look at DVDs and Pandev in particular is very aware of the presence of defenders and if defenders get too close then he hits the floor.

GLASGOW, Thursday AFP