SFA president George Peat today admitted his organisation bungled the Lee McCulloch fiasco.

The Rangers midfielder told SFA official Richard Simpson of his decision to retire from international football for family reasons.

But the information was never passed on to manager George Burley, who was then caught out when quizzed about the decision at the start of the week.

It was an embarrassing mix-up and the SFA president has admitted Burley should have been informed immediately.

"In hindsight, Richard should have told George at the time," said Peat. "He thought it would be the wrong timing and I think he hoped it wouldn't come out from any other source."

McCulloch has been left upset by the manner of the news leaking and, as revealed in later editions of last night's SportTimes, fears he has become a hate figure in Scotland.

"It looks as if I am trying to upset people, upset the manager, the players, even the nation," he said. "I think, as we speak just now, the whole nation hates me."

Meanwhile, SFA chief executive Gordon Smith says Burley will be given the remaining six qualifying games to show his worth.

Burley was under intense pressure going into the game against Iceland after the opening defeat to Macedonia, but Smith has maintained there will be no knee-jerk reactions over the coming 18 months.

"I've said he is here to try to take us to the Finals and he will be judged over the course of the group campaign," he said. "I cannot influence criticism from outside, but, for some of it to come after just one game, the defeat in Macedonia, was over the top."