Scotland assistant manager Terry Butcher is baffled at the Scottish Premier League's start date for next season. SPL bosses want the new 2009-10 campaign to get under way on August 8 - just four days before the national team's crucial World Cup qualifier in Norway.

National team boss George Burley reportedly requested an August 1 start to the season to give him time to prepare for the game.

"We will see what happens with that," said Butcher.

"I don't know if it's been finalised or if there is room to talk.

"But I just find it really bizarre that we are going to be playing a game on August 12 and the season starts on August 8.

"As it's an away game and we have to travel, if you wanted to make it the most difficult task ever, that's what they have done.

"Hopefully there will be room to talk and we can sort it out because you have to give the national team the best possible chance."