BARRY FERGUSON is convinced league reconstruction is the best way forward for Scottish football in the face of the devastating coronavirus pandemic.

With the SPFL and Scottish FA currently assessing the options available to the game after all football was suspended last week, debate is raging over awarding titles and consigning clubs to relegation - and possible legal challenges.

Although UEFA have called for domestic seasons to be concluded by the end of June, that appears unrealistic as the country prepares for weeks and months of special measures in a bid to halt the spread of the deadly virus.

And Ferguson believes a proposed shake-up of the leagues, which would see his Kelty Hearts team promoted into League Two from the Lowland League, along with Highland League champions-elect Brora Rangers, is the most favourable option if the current campaign cannot be concluded.

Under the proposals, there would be no relegation and two teams would be promoted from each division up to the Premiership, which would be expanded to 14 teams.

Glasgow Times:

The former Rangers and Scotland captain said: “Every association wants their domestic fixtures soerted but different countries have got this virus at different stages and we’re in the early stages.

“It’s looking like we’re eight to 12 weeks away from it hitting its peak.

“I’m like everybody, I just want our domestic game finished. Do I think it’s going to happen? No, I don’t, which then brings us on to another debate.

“I’ve been saying for a couple of years, I think [reconstruction] would benefit our game as a whole.

“And I think it will keep the vast majority happy.

“There will be one or two clubs who won’t be happy but that’s going to happen; whatever solution you come up with, there’s going to be happy and unhappy people.”

He added to PLZ Soccer: “But, for me, for the benefit of the game, I think reconstruction is the way forward, because it’s going to happen in a year or two anyway.

“I think they should fastrack it, bring it forward and make it happen.”