Burley was unable to pick any first-team SPL players for his B squad

Scotland manager George Burley has criticised the Scottish Premier League split as being bad for clubs and fans.

"I don't think it's ideal for anybody. Is it fair that some teams have more home games than away?" said Burley.

"I don't think it's ideal, but it's up to the clubs to look at systems and ways they want to have their season."

Scheduling issues meant Burley was unable to name any first-team players from the top six clubs for the Scotland B match with Northern Ireland on 6 May.

Plans for the friendly at Broadwood were hampered when the SPL scheduled matches after the international date was announced.

Hibernian, Hearts, Dundee United and Aberdeen are all set to play the following evening.

Do we need fewer teams? Is 16 teams the answer? Financially it might not be viable Scotland manager George Burley

And, with the Old Firm playing three days later, Burley had to resort to selecting fringe players, along with players from the bottom half of the SPL and the English Championship.

However, the Scotland manager insisted the problem lies with the SPL and a restructuring of the league may be required for clubs and fans to benefit.

"With the league programme, once the split comes, who knows who's playing where and what date it's going to be," said Burley.

"Do we need fewer teams? Is 16 teams the answer? Financially it might not be viable.

"I think it's a case of people looking at it. I don't think the split is ideal as far as teams knowing their fixtures for that season, and for the fans as well.

"It's for the clubs and the SPL to look at."

The SPL recently agreed to delay the start of next season to help preparations for Scotland's World Cup qualifier against Norway on 12 August.

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