Motherwell boss Mark McGhee was one of several SPL bosses to back Scotland counterpart George Burley's plea for the season to start a week later than planned to help him prepare for the World Cup qualifier against Norway. McGhee told Sky Sports News: "I think it would make a huge difference to his preparations and I think we should all be willing to accommodate George and do whatever it takes to help the national team.

"I think putting the season back by a week is irrelevant in the scheme of things. The national game takes priority.

"I don't know how the regulations work but the SPL can surely set the rules.

"If they say it's starting then, then that's when it starts and the Old Firm have to comply."

Aberdeen chief Jimmy Calderwood agrees everything should be done to help Scotland's cause.

"I think we have got to help the Scottish international team as much as possible," Calderwood said.

"At the last meeting we had, I was amazed at how difficult it is setting dates for the league. I was absolutely amazed."

Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies added: "I think we should do what we can to help the Scottish team.

"There is a big prize at the end of it and I'm sure common sense will prevail and something will be done to help."