Scotland World Cup qualifier: Burley calls for patience

George Burley has urged the nation not to judge him after just one game as he prepares for his first competitive match as Scotland manager.

The Scots open their World Cup qualifying campaign with a difficult away tie in Macedonia tomorrow, before travelling to Iceland four days later.

Burley heads into the double-header still searching for his first win since succeeding Alex McLeish in January after his previous three outings in friendly matches produced two draws and a defeat.

He knows expectation will be high now that the action begins for real but insists Scotland's progress over the entire campaign should determine whether he was the right man for the job, not one match.

"I'll be judged over the eight games," he said.

"It's about Scotland, the country. I want Scotland to do well, the team want to do well, and we need everyone to back each other.

"The friendly games have been great, I've had some very good performances in those games, and it's allowed us to have a look at players, which was very important.

"It's my first World Cup as a manager and I'm learning all the time. It's not about one game, it's not about four, it's about eight.

"We know it will be a difficult start but we're not going to finish first just because we win and we are certainly not going to finish last just because we get beat.

"So we are looking at the bigger picture, working together, and we hope everyone gives people supports whether it's the manager or the players because it is a tough prospect.

"The players will give 100%, I'm sure about that, and that's important for the nation."

Burley was remaining tight-lipped over his team selection, particularly his front pairing following a less than inspiring display from Kenny Miller and James McFadden in last month's drab goalless draw against Northern Ireland.

He continued: "We do have options up front, we've got people with ability, and we will announce the team tomorrow.

"One thing is for sure, I know they will battle until the end. That's our tradition and we won't give up. Whether we go a goal behind or a goal up, we won't change the manner of our play."

One players who will not be involved is West Brom midfielder James Morrison, who travelled with the rest of the squad but will miss out through injury.

"James is not going to be available," Burley confirmed.

"He has done some light training and we hope he keeps progressing for the Iceland game on Wednesday but he won't be in the squad for tomorrow."

Another player who could feature in the squad for Iceland is Steven Fletcher, who impressed by netting a double in the Under-21 side's 3-1 win over Slovenia last night.

"Steven is a young player who I think the world of," Burley explained.

"I gave him his debut and I thought it would be good for him to get a run out in the Under-21s.

"He scored two cracking goals and he will be in my thoughts for the
Iceland game. Steven will have a big future for Scotland over the years."

Right now, Burley's focus is on Macedonia and whether his players will be able to cope with temperatures topping 35 degrees, which met them upon their arrival in Skopje this afternoon.

"Of course it's going to have some impact but it's not going to stop us competing and playing," he said.

"There have been a number of players who have played in this type of heat before.

"In our last away game against the Czech Republic was in similar heat so it's something we have to get used to.

"You have to be wary of it and play a little different than you would do in Scotland but that's something that's part and parcel of trying to qualify for a World Cup.

"You have to play in different conditions against different nations and I'm sure we will be able to adapt to it."

Scotland's strengths lie in their determination to chase the ball and
work hard, attributes which could be difficult in the conditions.

"We're not going to stop that, we're not going to stop our game," Burley added.

"We've got a good blend of youth and experience, we have players with loads of energy, who are very competitive, with skill as well.

"We know Macedonia are an excellent side and they have had some very good results at home.

"We've watched them carefully over the last six months in different friendly games so we are aware it's going to be a difficult task but we are certainly not going to be frightened.

"We will play our game. It's a game where we have to be solid and hard to beat but express ourselves in as well."