Barnsley's FA Cup hero Brian Howard will not be allowed to play for Scotland.

The Scottish Football Association have confirmed the midfielder is ineligible, after it emerged he played in a competitive match for England at under-16 level.

Howard scored Barnsley's winner at Anfield in the fifth round of the FA Cup and has been watched by Scotland scouts, as it was believed he qualified through his Glaswegian father.

Scotland manager George Burley confirmed he was taking an interest in Howard's performances.

However, although Howard's England appearances at under-20 level were in non-competitive games, the SFA have been told by Football Association officials that the 25-year-old played in a UEFA game as an under-16 international.

Accordingly, FIFA's regulations regarding the eligibility and release of international players prevent Howard representing any other national team.

Howard has hit 13 goals for Barnsley this season, including two in last night's 4-1 victory over Ipswich.