Burley frustrated by B-game clash

Published on Sunday 26 April 2009 22:40

SCOTLAND manager George Burley admits he is "miffed" about a fixture clash that has thrown his plans for a B international into disarray.

The Scots host Northern Ireland at Broadwood on Wednesday, 6 May but now face a clash following the announcement of the post-split fixtures.

Burley will not be able to select any players from the top six clubs in the SPL, with Hearts and Hibernian meeting in a derby match the following night, and Dundee United hosting Aberdeen at the same time.

The national team manager had already agreed not to select Celtic or Rangers players for the international, with the final Old Firm derby taking place on 9 May.

Burley said: "I think communication is very important when you are arranging fixtures and that's why I'm miffed about this situation.

"It was bad enough when I found out there was an Edinburgh derby to contend with, but now there's a Dundee United and Aberdeen match too.

"I would have been looking to select players from those four clubs but now I can't."

He added: "This B international is a perfect opportunity to have a look at some different players.

"I'm sure the managers of these SPL clubs would be happy to see their players given this kind of recognition but now we have to look elsewhere, probably to England.

"All I can do is see who is available and take it from there but I am not going to be able to select the players that I would have wanted in the squad for the Northern Ireland game."

Burley is now expected to turn to players such as Preston's Ross Wallace and Leeds' former Livingston striker Robert Snodgrass, even though the Elland Road club could be involved in the League One play-offs.