Scottish football chiefs have ruled out the home of Scottish Cup holders St Johnstone hosting international fixtures.
After Perth became caught up in football following the Saints win, there were calls for some friendly matches to come to McDiarmid Park.
Though the average gate for the last four friendly matches played away from Hampden was 13,314, supporters of the idea contended that McDiarmid Park’s capacity of 10,673 would, nonetheless, be suitable.
Since 2004, four home Scotland games have been held outside Glasgow at Easter Road in Edinburgh and Pittodrie in Aberdeen and it was hoped that the Perth stadium might be added to the rotation.
A letter from SFA chief executive Stewart Regan, however, reveals that the organisation has decided that the Perth stadium is simply too small.
The decision has disappointed Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser.
He said: “After St Johnstone’s Scottish Cup win there is a real appetite for football in the city and I am very disappointed that the SFA have chosen not to seize upon this and serve up friendly games in Perth.
“I fully understand the points the SFA make in their response but I believe there is no better venue for hosting friendly internationals against lower-tier nations than McDiarmid Park.”
Mr Fraser believes it would be worth missing out on a small number of ticket sales “once in a blue moon” to bring matches to cities that have never before hosted international games.
The Tartan Army’s “colour and atmosphere” would benefit Perth, he said, and: “Moving games around the country would also give far more Scots the chance to see their team play and could also help encourage more youngsters into the game.”