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Page last updated at 16:39 GMT, Thursday, 6 November 2008

Novo plays down Scotland cap call

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Novo surprised at cap reaction

Nacho Novo reckons the media fuss surrounding his so-called chances of playing for Scotland has been much ado about nothing.

The Rangers striker had said he would accept a call to represent Scotland but a Home Nations "gentleman's agreement" ruled out the Spaniard's eligibility.

"The only thing I said was to give an answer to a simple question; that's all," he said.

"I found out reading the papers and I think everybody has taken it too far."

Novo has lived in Scotland for eight years, spanning playing stints at Raith Rovers, Dundee and, since 2004, at Ibrox.

Although his family are Scottish and he himself feels like a naturalised Scot he is yet to apply for a British passport.

He previously admitted he would consider applying for a UK passport and switching allegiance to his adopted country, if asked.

"I was always thinking of getting a passport anyway just because of my family that's all," Novo explained.

MY SPORT: DEBATE

"It's nice to have a British passport for the family. I think people are confused a lot, sometimes saying I want to get a passport just to play for Scotland. It's not like that.

"I haven't had any contact with anybody (from the SFA), I find out everything from what I read in the papers.

"I respect everyone's opinions, people will be with you, people will be against you, but I don't want any trouble at all.

"My sister heard about it back in Spain, it was big news back there as well.

"There has been a lot of fun in the dressing room and my team-mates call me Hamish McNovo and things like that.

"Everybody has had a laugh and it's been quite funny.

"But I just want to play football and be happy, that's all."

Scotland manager George Burley refused to rule out the option of picking Novo, while SFA president George Peat was opposed to any change to the current criteria for selection.

England coach Fabio Capello was thought to be keen on picking Spaniards Manuel Almunia and Mikel Arteta.

But the Scottish Football Association has confirmed that the Home Nations would continue to pick players based only on bloodlines

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see also
Deal ends Novo's Scotland hopes
31 Oct 08 |  Internationals
Burley open to Novo for Scotland
29 Oct 08 |  Rangers
Scots would welcome Novo switch
24 Oct 08 |  Rangers


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