Scottish FA boss advocates a switch to summer soccer

GEORGE PEAT, the Scottish Football Association’s president, has advocated the senior game in the country moving to a summer season.

Freezing conditions, which show no sign of abating, have prompted a raft of postponements north of the border. The Scottish Premier League has plans to implement a winter break, possibly as early as next season, but Peat believes a more radical approach should be taken.

“I have been anti-summer football all my life but recently my views have changed,” he said. “When would you have a winter break? December, January or February? I am now beginning to think: ‘have it for December, January and February and play from March to November’. You wouldn’t have postponements. Now it is time for a change. The only problems would be when you have competitions like the World Cup and the European Championship. But other countries can find a way round it.”

Peat was speaking as the SFA put its weight behind a wide-ranging review of Scottish football, published by the former politician Henry McLeish. An alteration to the football calendar was not considered by McLeish but Peat’s comments will spark fresh debate.

GuardianService

** CELTIC STRIKER Gary Hooper has not broken his leg but he could still face six weeks on the sidelines. A scan yesterday allayed fears Hooper had suffered a broken fibula during Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock, but ankle ligament damage could keep him out until February.

Celtic’s statement read: “Following an MRI scan, the specialist and the Celtic club doctor confirmed that the player could be out for up to six weeks with a severe ankle strain.”

Hooper, who has netted 11 goals in 13 games since moving from Scunthorpe in late July, went off in the 35th minute of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League game after a clash with Killie defender Frazer Wright. The 22-year-old has already endured a six-week lay-off in his Celtic career after tearing a calf muscle during a pre-season friendly against Blackburn.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has urged the club’s other strikers to step up to the plate again.

“Out of a crisis comes opportunity so it’s an opportunity for other players to come in and show me why they‘re here,” he said.

“With (Anthony) Stokes, (Georgios) Samaras and (Daryl) Murphy we can have a bit of variety, with maybe one of the wide men through the middle as well.

“They have got to step forward and start taking responsibility. . .”