Willie Haughey, the former Celtic director, is heading the property development part of the proposal and has already been in discussions with the SFA regarding the inclusion of a football academy.

 

"It's at an early stage," said Taylor last night, "and nothing has been agreed or signed, but we do need facilities like this in Scottish football. We have been banging on about it for a long time and we have to be positive about a proposal like this one.

 

"Obviously, it is now in the hands of the appropriate planning department and until they make their decision, which I believe will be in around two months' time, we can't make any firm plans.

 

"What I would say, though, is that it could turn out to be the kind of facility we have been looking for. The French have Clarefontaine, the Italians and the Dutch also have their academies, and it's obvious what the benefit has been for them from it."

 

The proposed facility, which would include two outdoor pitches and an indoor pitch, would primarily be for the use of all Scottish international teams from the full squad down to the schoolboy association teams which are now under the SFA's control.

 

"There are a lot of get-togethers for our teams at every level," said Taylor, "and the main priority for this facility would be as a permanent base for the international squads. Obviously, we would also look at how it could be used by the wider Scottish football community."

 

The estimated cost of the Bothwell development is £17 million, though it is unclear as yet how the football academy would be funded.

 

"If planning permission is granted, then we will look at the next step," said Taylor. "We have already had a couple of meetings with Willie Haughey and the value of a private venture like this has to be acknowledged."