GOAL GETTERS; Beeb is told to 'dig deep' and put footie internationals back on terrestrial telly.

Byline: Kevin Schofield

BBC bosses were yesterday urged to "dig deep" to return major Scottish international matches to terrestrial telly.

An independent panel called for European Championship and World Cup qualifiers involving the home nations to be added to the sporting "crown jewels" which should be on free-to-air TV.

SFA boss Gordon Smith has already said losing the pounds 60million four-year deal with Sky for home matches would be a disaster for the Scottish game.

But David Davies, the ex-FA boss who led the panel, says the BBC and sports officials must find a way to reach a deal.

Davies, who also wants cricket's Ashes showdown between England and Australia back on terrestrial TV, said the BBC should do all it can to find the money.

He said: "Do I think the BBC should dig deep in their responsibility to protected events? Yes I do.

"I think it's important and I hope we are pointing a way ahead.

"We're asking the sports' governing bodies and broadcasters to work with the Government to find a way through this."

Davies admitted the proposals would anger Smith and the SFA.

Flowers He said: "I'm not expecting bunches of flowers from Gordon Smith.

"The SFA told us going free-to-air would cost them pounds 12 million a year. That figure can and should be tested before a final decision is taken."

Among the top sporting events which are already on the protected list the Grand National andWimbledon.

Davies said research had shown the vast majority of people want to see the big sporting occasions on free-to-air television.

And the biggest losers under the current regime are the over-65s and the low-paid, who are less likely to have satellite or cable televison.

He added: "I believe our proposals are timely, appropriate, progressive and crucially put the public first."

Scots football fans last night gave the proposals a cool response.

Hamish Husband, of the west of Scotland Tartan Army, said: "While in an ideal world it would be great if the games were free-to-air, we have to take account of the fact the SFA is not a large financial organisation and needs as much money as possible."

A Scottish government spokesman said they backed the proposals and called on the UK Government to implement them.

He added: "We understand the SFA sponsorship deal with Sky runs until 2014 and anticipate they will be examining other opportunities to alleviate any potential funding shortfall." The BBC said: "We welcome the support the report gives to theprinciple that it is in the public's interest to protect events of national importance to ensure they remain free to air."

Davies's report, which says that the Derby and the Winter Olympics should be taken off the "crown jewels" list, will be put out for consultation before a final decision by Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw in three months' time.

CAPTION(S):

BIG ATTRACTION: James McFadden scores against France in a Euro-qualifier GOLDEN SHOT: James McFadden's winning goal against France during the Euro qualifiers in 2007. The match was only shown live on Sky DEAL: David Davies