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SFA chief executive Gordon Smith wants views on prices

The Scottish Football Association is asking the Tartan Army if they are prepared to pay top ticket prices to bring Argentina to Hampden.

A match scheduled for 19 November is under discussion between the SFA and agents for the Argentine FA.

Top price for a competitive Scotland match is £35 while the cost of a ticket for Northern Ireland's friendly visit to Hampden in August is £20.

Ticket prices for the visit of Argentina would be higher than both.

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith revealed that fans' appetite for the match will be gauged before a decision is made.

"Qualifying for the World Cup finals is our number one priority, " Smith said.

"We have shown over the past few years that we have made major improvements in our game and that we are ready to take the next step and play alongside the world's best in a major championships.

Scotland could play Argentina at Hampden in November

"However, if we want to keep on improving, we have to continually test ourselves against top class opposition.

"And, if we want to do more than qualify for a World Cup finals, but also make our mark at them, we have to play against different styles of teams from around the world, not just from Europe.

"We want to play teams of the quality of Argentina and Brazil, but the match fees and costs for these teams is not cheap.

"In fact, the match fees and expenses involved in bringing any top class team to Hampden can be substantial.

"We will always strive to keep ticket prices down, but if we want to play the very best, then there will be an impact on ticket prices.

"If we were to play Argentina later this year - then in order to cover all the costs involved, the ticket prices would be higher than for a normal friendly match .

MY SPORT: DEBATE Are we ready to pay more so that Scotland can play against the best?

"Indeed, there is every likelihood that the prices would be more than for our competitive matches."

It is likely there would be a clause in any contract to ensure that Argentina's top players turn up to play in the match.

"Today we are starting a debate. We want the fans and the media to talk about this issue frankly and openly," said Smith.