Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has called for the return of the Scotland versus England international.

The teams last contested the traditional annual fixture in 1989, although they have met at Euro 96 and in Euro 2000 qualification matches since.

Gordon Smith, the Scottish Football Association chief executive, is to hold further talks with his English counterparts early next year about the idea.

"I'm sure it would bring the best out of the players . . . It couldn't be looked upon as a 'friendly'," Ferguson said.