NACHO NOVO can expect a warm welcome if he decides to switch allegiance and become a Scotland international.
Rangers' uncapped Spanish striker yesterday revealed he would "probably" accept a call-up if he was asked to play for the country in which he has lived for the past eight years.
He was immediately given the thumbs up from the Scottish Football Ass
ociation, who said they would not stand in manager George Burley's way if he decided to pick the 29-year-old.
However, they warned Novo must first successfully apply for UK citizenship, which is by no means guaranteed despite the player appearing to fulfil most of the criteria.
An SFA spokesman said: "At present, he does not hold a British passport and is therefore not eligible to play for any of the home nations.
"If that situation were to change then he would be considered like any other player."
If Novo is prepared to back up his words with actions, he could become the first player to represent Scotland under FIFA's five-year residency rule.
Novo's revelation comes shortly after Rangers team-mates Kris Boyd and Lee McCulloch quit the Scotland side.
It also follows reports down south linking fellow Spaniards Manuel Almunia and Mikel Arteta with possible call-ups to the England squad.
The full article contains 222 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
