 In 1992, prior to his injury, he had signed a "dream" two-year contract with Australian side Sydney Croatia, but suffered an ankle injury whilst playing on loan at Stranraer.Butler spent 18 months with his ankle in plaster, and later worked in a pub for a few years before becoming unemployed and on state benefits in 1997.He was a Scotland youth international, and participated at the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship.