It's time to take the spotlight off Andrew Driver, Burley says

SCOTLAND manager George Burley has backed Andrew Driver's decision to put his international future on hold and concentrate on his Hearts performances.

England Under-21 international Driver announced he would make a final decision on his allegiance in "a few weeks" after he recovers his form.

Burley today tried to take the pressure off Driver, who became eligible for Scotland last month under the new home nations rule that allows players to represent an adopted country if they spent five years there at school.

The Scotland boss last month put the onus on the 21-year-old to come forward but he has softened his stance and expects to hold talks with the player soon.

And Burley was keen to move the spotlight away from Oldham-born Driver, who made his England Under-21 debut in the summer, as he announced his squad for the friendly against Wales on November 14.

"At the moment he just wants to get on with his football and concentrate on playing for Hearts," Burley said. "I think that's a wise decision.

"There is no doubt at some point we'll have a chat with Andy. But I think the most important thing is let Andrew get on with his football.

"We know his ability, so that's something we will keep an eye on."

Burley was pressed on whether Driver, who moved to North Berwick 10 years ago, would have to make the first move.

"The important thing is he wants to play for the country and the important thing is he's 100%," he said. "Of course, you have got to apply to FIFA to change the nationality because he chose England.

"But I think the most important thing now is to get his head down, work on his game. He is still progressing and you don't know what is going to happen in the future.

"Take the spotlight off Andrew because he has been put in an impossible position. Let him play his football and I'm sure things will evolve.

"It's a two-way situation where for both parties it's got to be right. He says himself his form has been up and down so it's important to take the pressure off him."

Driver had already revealed he would not be in the squad for the Cardiff contest and Burley named few surprises in the 23-man pool.

Driver's team-mate, Lee Wallace, retains his place following his impressive debut in the 2-0 defeat by Japan last month with Watford midfielder Don Cowie and West Brom winger Graham Dorrans also given the chance to add to their first caps.

Burley has been boosted by the return to fitness of Ross McCormack, James McFadden, Barry Robson, Steven Caldwell and Kenny Miller.

Celtic left-back Danny Fox is included again after injury denied him a debut in Japan while Kevin Thomson, Alan Hutton and Steven Naismith keep their places despite calling off.

But Garry O'Connor and Robert Snodgrass drop out after missing the Japan trip through injury.

Kilmarnock striker Kevin Kyle has been included after being forced to pull out of the last two squads but there is no room for Charlie Adam, Ross Wallace, Stephen Hughes, Lee Miller and Craig Conway, who all played in Yokohama, and Darren Barr, who travelled but did not get on.

"We want a strong team," Burley said. "We haven't got many games for the build-up before the Euros in September.

"Scott Brown and Shaun Maloney are missing through injury but we have got a good balance: young players who went to Japan and were involved, experienced players back in the fold and players who have been injured for the past few months.

"It's a good balance of youth and experience.

"For friendlies it's important to look at new players, Japan was a good exercise.

"But another important aspect is to try to get a bit of continuity. We've got our experienced players all in the squad and hopefully they will all be involved.

"You never say it's the strongest squad. You have to earn the right to be in the squad.

"We have a nucleus of experienced players and players who have done well for us but the door is always open for other ones to push in.

"For this game I've picked my first 23 and spoken to a number of other boys and said you're on the fringe and might get a call. And if they come and do well, they might stay in the squad."