Rangers duo Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor have been told they will never play for Scotland again. In addition they have been suspended for two weeks without pay by Rangers.

Both players were involved in a drinking session at Scotland's team hotel at the weekend and then were caught apparently making V-signs while on the bench after being dropped for Wednesday's 2-1 win over Iceland at Hampden.

The SFA have been besieged by phone calls and e-mails from angry Scotland fans.

An SFA spokesman said: "In light of the events of the past 48 hours and following further discussions between the national team manager and the chief executive, it has been decided that Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor will no longer be considered for international selection by Scotland.

"This action has been taken in the best interest of the squad, the fans and the country.

"We are determined to qualify for the World Cup and we must ensure that nothing is allowed to distract us from achieving this goal."

Gers chief executive Martin Bain said: "The overall conduct of the players during the last week while on Scotland duty has, regrettably, fallen considerably short of the standards expected by Rangers Football Club and our supporters and has brought the club into disrepute.

"The management of the club has taken the view that this has damaged both Rangers and Scotland and is unacceptable.

"Even though our club is entering the critical stage of the league season and the later stages of the Scottish Cup, appropriate disciplinary action was required."

Rangers has agreed with the players that part of their deducted wages will be donated to charity.