Smith wants a break from football in January

Smith's most recent squad was decimated by injuries and Smith thinks a mid-season rest would be of benefit.

"Everyone in football is in favour of a winter break; managers, coaches and players," said Smith.

"I am not just pleading on behalf of the Scotland team. Protecting players from over-use and giving them a better recovery time would benefit clubs too."

The three-week breather in January was scrapped two years ago because a majority of SPL chairmen did not want to miss out on gate money during that period.

But Smith insisted: "There is also the aspect of the public being cheated. They are being forced to pay to watch players who are being asked to peak far too often.

"Some players from Wednesday's game in Minsk will only have a two-week break before reporting back for pre-season training with their clubs, due to next season starting early to accommodate the World Cup finals.

"It seems obvious to me there have to be fewer fixtures. We have far too many games and players are not being given the chance to recover."