The Rangers duo were caught by manager George Burley in the bar area of the Cameron House Hotel in Loch Lomond hours after their team-mates had retired to their rooms following the squad's return from Saturday's 3-0 defeat in Holland.

A row between the trio ensued and a furious Burley responded by dropping captain Ferguson, 31, and goalkeeper McGregor, 27, from the starting line-up for tonight's must-win Group Nine clash.

The players apologised for their behaviour today and it was confirmed this afternoon that both would start on the bench at Hampden.

Nevertheless, their antics could hardly have come at a worse time for Scotland, whose dream of reaching next summer's World Cup finals will be all but over should they fail to win tonight.

Former Celtic skipper Tom Boyd, who won 72 caps for Scotland, believes Ferguson in particular should not have been involved in such an embarrassing incident.

"I've experienced this with Celtic players but I think you have got a totally different culture now," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"With Barry being the national captain, he has to show a bit more responsibility."

Former Manchester United defender Gordon McQueen, who earned 30 caps, told Record PM: "To be drinking in the early hours just days before a crucial game is completely and utterly unacceptable and George is 100% correct to ban them from the game.

"They have let their manager and the country down. It's a disgraceful example of a lack of respect for the jersey and it's hard to believe they have carried on this way."

Tam Coyle, spokesman for the West of Scotland Tartan Army, told PA Sport: "They are following in the fine traditions of Scotland players from Jimmy Johnstone and the rowing boat incident in the early 1970s.

"But, seriously, it is very disappointing. Anything that takes away from the focus of tonight's game is unwelcome.

"The manager appears to have had no choice; it seems that the two players have been given a wee bit of rope and they have taken a length."

The spokesman for the East of Scotland branch, Tam Ferry, told PA Sport Burley was taking a gamble with his bold decision to drop his captain and McGregor.

"We were driven to drink after that result on Saturday so I'm not surprised that the players were as well," he joked.

"But, kidding aside, the manager obviously feels strongly about it.

"He must feel let down and that's why he has decided to discipline them.

"Maybe he is cutting his nose off to spite his face."

Rangers Supporters Clubs secretary John Macmillan told PA Sport: "They have let Scotland down, they have let the club down and they have let the fans down with their behaviour.

"They are two players who should have known better. I don't think George Burley had any alternative but to do what he has done.

"Frankly, I have no sympathy for either player."

Macmillan added: "Ferguson, in particular, is the Scotland captain and should have known better.

"In fact, anyone from the youngest member of the squad all the way through should know better.

"They are all seasoned internationals and experienced players.

"It's very disappointing. They have let a lot of people down."

This latest incident comes only months after another Rangers player clashed with the Scotland manager.

Kris Boyd revealed he no longer wished to be considered for selection while Burley remains in charge after being left on the bench for the goalless draw against Norway in October.

And Macmillan believes the current controversy is the last thing the national team needs.

He said: "I don't think it can do the camp any favours.

"There were rumours of unrest within the camp before this incident, with people not getting on with the coach.

"But he is in that position and he should be respected by the players.

"If they don't obey the rules and regulations that are laid down, then they deserve everything that comes to them."