Vogts will stay in Scotland despite family problems

The Scottish Football Association yesterday insisted Berti Vogts remains fully committed to managing the national side despite his wife's illness.

The German coach, under pressure because of poor results on the field, has been apart from his wife, Monika, since Christmas. She is back in Germany receiving treatment for what is understood to be a heart problem.

Andy Mitchell, of the SFA, said: "It is a private matter, but the SFA have been aware of his wife's condition since Christmas and have discussed it with him." Asked whether Vogts might consider putting his family before his job and resign, Mitchell insisted the coach remains as committed as ever. He said: "The fact he is preparing to fly out to Turkey tomorrow with the Future team should answer that question."

Rangers will have to do without the defender Lorenzo Amoruso for two matches if he is found guilty of spitting at the Ayr striker James Grady. The incident in Saturday's Scottish Cup fourth-round tie at Somerset Park, which Rangers won 1-0, was missed by the referee Alan Freeland but captured on television.

Mitchell confirmed the incident had already been discussed by the SFA chief executive David Taylor and disciplinary head, Drew Herbertson. "The first port of call will be the referee's report." Mitchell said. "However it is unlikely that the incident will be included in this as if he had seen the spitting incident then the player would have been sent off. It is likely to be referred instead to the video review panel."

The Premier League leaders were made to battle all the way by Ayr until Ronald de Boer 79th-minute winner. Inverness Caledonian Thistle were the fourth round's biggest winners, with a 6-1 home thrashing of Hamilton Academical.