Scots consider friendly with Iran

In a move that is likely to cause even more whining from the Old Firm bosses, Scotland coach George Burley is considering a friendly on May 28th with Iran. The match would be in Tehran, and the date is only four days after the Scottish Cup final, so if Rangers or Celtic is involved in the Cup final, look for the regular complaining about club versus country. I for one am happy to see the international fixture dates filling up, but this is one particular match I’d rather see in Glasgow. First, there are security concerns to take into account, especially considering Britain’s continued military presence in the Middle East. Second, there’s the issue of the Scottish Cup, in which one or both of the Old Firm sides, and thus a large portion of the Scottish national side, is likely to be involved. Four days rest is plenty in my opinion, but it would seem a bit less harsh without a long plane trip in the middle of it. Either way, I’m glad to see us considering more friendlies, and since the one and only time we’ve ever played Iran before was in the 1978 World Cup (a 1-1 draw), it might be good luck to face them again just before trying for another World Cup this year.