Alex McLeish's side need to beat Italy to qualify for the finals

But it has criticised the Scottish FA for refusing to compensate the clubs.

SPL chairman Lex Gold said: "It is a matter of considerable disappointment that the SFA has refused to help defray the costs which will be incurred."

The Celtic v Falkirk and St Mirren v Rangers games were scheduled for the weekend before the 17 November match.

No new dates have yet been agreed.

And the SPL stressed that the decision had only been taken in light of the "exceptional circumstances" involved.

Our wish is to do all we can to support the efforts of the Scotland team at a critical point SPL executive chairman Lex Gold

Scotland need to beat Italy at Hampden to ensure qualification for the European Championship finals in Austria and Switzerland.

And the SFA made an official request for help as a number of Alex McLeish's squad are likely to be drawn from Celtic and Rangers.

"Postponing games at short notice is fraught with fairness, inconvenience, broadcasting and cost implications," said Gold.

"We recognise, in particular, that this decision will inconvenience many fans, thousands of whom have already made travel arrangements to attend the matches.

"Our wish is to do all we can to support the efforts of the Scotland team at a critical point and trust the fans will understand the exceptional circumstances which led us to postpone the matches in question.

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"I would also like to place on record my thanks to the clubs involved for their constructive approach and to our broadcasting partners, Setanta Sports, for their support."

McLeish had earlier explained the reasoning behind his request for help.

"With the bulk of our players coming from the Old Firm, it would be great if they could get a break," he told The Scotsman.