Black and booed

Ian Black said he was "disappointed" to be booed by fans on his Scotland debut last night while Craig Levein, the manager, claimed the behaviour was only down to the controversial former Hearts player taking the field at Hibernian's Easter Road, writes Michael Grant and Graeme Macpherson.

Scotland's fine 3-1 win over Australia in the final friendly before the first World Cup qualifier against Serbia next month was overshadowed when Black came off the bench 15 minutes from the end. His name was jeered by the 11,000 crowd and then his every touch was also booed.

Many supporters had criticised Levein for bringing Black into the squad, just a week after saying it would be difficult for any player in the third division to step up to international standard but it was shocking to hear a Scotland player being subjected to sustained verbal abuse on what should have been a special night in his career.

Given that Ryan McGowan, the Australian substitute, was also jeered, the assumption was that Black was heckled by Hibernian supporters as he is a former Hearts player.

"It's a bit disappointing when you come here to play for your country and for the fans who are supposed to be supporting you and they do that," said Black. "But I'm big enough to get on with it and I hope I get another opportunity.