Burley is spared multiple call-offs as Scots gather

Published on Monday 31 August 2009 22:43

GEORGE Burley's worries are not restricted to international weeks. The Scotland manager's discomfort began the weekend before his international squad gathers today at their Loch Lomond base.

Prior to up-coming must-win matches against Macedonia and the Netherlands, Burley has just spent another anxious 48 hours as he waited to hear news of the welfare of those charged with preserving Scotland's World Cup dream.

The first call-off from the original squad of 25 came on Saturday when Kevin Kyle told Burley he would not be able to make a first Scotland appearance for five years due to a cartilage injury. Garry O'Connor replaces the Kilmarnock striker.

At least Burley was granted succour from the news goalkeeper Craig Gordon had made his first league start of the season for Sunderland, while the form of Rangers' Steven Whittaker, who scored a brace for his club against Hamilton Accies, is also to be celebrated. But for every Whittaker, there is a Kris Commons. The Derby County midfielder was hauled off at half-time against Nottingham Forest, with his side already 3-0 down. Manager Nigel Clough later took the unusual step of singling out Commons for criticism after the 3-2 defeat to their local rivals.

"Kris gave away the second and third goals," he said. "He gifted a free-kick away on the touchline for Forest's second goal and lost the ball for their third. Everybody gives the ball away, it is the manner in which you do it. He tried to nutmeg somebody in his own half, away from home, in the 44th minute when we were 2-0 down.

"Having lost the ball, he just stood and watched it. He kept wandering in midfield and so we replaced him with somebody who would play the position and we looked better for it."

Other Scotland team-mates had similar tales of woe, with Preston North End skipper Callum Davidson sent off in the 43rd minute during his side's 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town.

Neil Alexander

Enduring another unhappy spell back on the bench at Rangers after Allan McGregor grabbed back his place.

Craig Gordon

Retained his place in the Sunderland team for the weekend's defeat by Stoke City, after making his first appearance of the campaign in midweek in the Carling Cup against Norwich. The perfect time to have returned after a frustrating few weeks following an operation on his knee in the summer.

David Marshall

Cardiff City's good start to the season came to an end on Saturday with a defeat against Doncaster Rovers. Marshall conceded twice.

Darren Barr

Still being used at full-back by Falkirk manager Eddie May after the player's summer switch from centre-half. Played in his side's 2-1 defeat at Dundee United.

Christophe Berra

Looked on from the bench as his Wolves team-mates drew at home with Hull City. Berra has only played one match – last week's Carling Cup victory over Swindon – since injuring his hamstring against Norway. But could be primed for a starting spot at Hampden on Saturday.

Gary Caldwell

The Celtic defender has endured a torrid opening few weeks to the season but has returned to some semblance of form in recent days, and coped well on Sunday against Hibs as ten-man Celtic held out for a 1-0 victory.

Steven Caldwell

Worryingly, still has not returned to the Burnley first team after aggravating a groin injury for Scotland against Norway in Oslo. Not even on bench for Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Chelsea.

Callum Davidson

The surprise starter against Norway was in the thick of it on Saturday for Preston at Ipswich. Sent off two minutes before half-time in the 1-1 draw for handling a shot on the line, and having already been booked.

Alan Hutton

Got a 45 minute run-out for in-form Spurs in their 2-1 victory over Birmingham after replacing Ledley King. Has only started once in the league this season.

Jamie McAllister

Played in Bristol City's win over Middlesbrough on Saturday and has only missed one of his club's seven games this season.

Stephen McManus

Watched his side's win at Hibernian from the stands. Seems inconceivable that the Scotland manager can pick someone without a single minute of competitive football to his name this season for such a critical match.

Steven Whittaker

A warming tale at last for Burley. Not only did Whittaker start for Rangers against Hamilton on Saturday, but he also scored two goals in the 4-1 win. Came on as substitute against Norway but could be in line for a start.

David Weir

Had he scored a hat-trick of own goals for Rangers on Saturday, would still have walked into the Scotland team. Indispensable given Gary Caldwell's suspension and injuries elsewhere. Playing to usual high standard.

Graham Alexander

Ever present this season for Burnley, though replaced by fellow Scot Kevin McDonald in the closing stages of Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Chelsea. Burley is a fan.

Scott Brown

Key figure for Scotland in these two critical matches and proving a mainstay in Tony Mowbray's new-look Celtic team. Quiet on Sunday against Hibs.

Kris Commons

Burley could have a job on his hands when seeking to re-build the Derby player's confidence. On the end of an ear-bashing from manager Nigel Clough after a 3-2 loss on Saturday.

Darren Fletcher

Expected to be skipper on Saturday with McManus unlikely to start. Has only missed one game for Manchester United this season – the 1-0 loss to Burley. Fortunate to avoid a penalty award against him on Saturday v Arsenal, and also missed one great chance to score.

Paul Hartley

Enjoying life in the south west of England with Bristol City, and played the full 90 minutes of his side's win over Middlesbrough on Saturday. Sat on the bench in the 4-0 defeat to Norway.

Shaun Maloney

Another controversial omission against Norway but has been in form for Celtic. Watched by Burley at Easter Road on Sunday, but was not at the top of his game.

James McFadden

Has been challenged by Burley to show his Scotland form of old. Has been a regular for Birmingham this season and scored the winner earlier this month against Portsmouth. Played the full 90 minutes at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

David Clarkson

Another Bristol City-based Scot, but has missed his side's last two games due to a virus.

Steven Fletcher

Got off the mark for Burnley last week with a brace against Hartlepool in the Carling Cup and played from the start against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Earned rave reviews for his part in his side's famous 1-0 win over Manchester United and is perhaps the one Scotland striker on form.

Garry O'Connor

Called up yesterday following Kevin Kyle's withdrawal, the Birmingham striker could count himself unlucky at not having been in the original squad. Emerging as a regular for his team and played 90 minutes against Spurs on Saturday, although he missed a good opportunity to give his side the lead.

Kenny Miller

Has scored twice for Rangers this season, but not in peak form. No goals on Saturday in the 4-1 win over Hamilton, and went off with nine minutes left. Still, surely a starter on Saturday.

Steven Naismith

Has started every game for Rangers this season and scored on the first day against Falkirk. Revelling in this return to action after injury and played 73 minutes against Hamilton on Saturday.