Game was a B movie but Burley gives fans 'A' rating

Published on Thursday 7 May 2009 09:44

SCOTLAND manager George Burley admits the fans who made the effort to watch the B international victory over Northern Ireland last night deserved a medal.

A crowd of 2110 – including Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty – made the trip to Broadwood to witness the 3-0 win despite heavy wind and rain and the lure of the Champions League semi-final between Chelsea and Barcelona being shown live on television.

Goals from Andy Webster, George Boyd and Leigh Griffiths sealed a comfortable win for the Scots second string despite the conditions.

Burley said: "With weather like that, I'd like to thank everyone who turned out. It was a horrendous night and there was also the football on the TV.

"I think anyone who came deserved a medal. I'm sure it wasn't easy even to get out the front door."

A clash of fixtures with the Clydesdale Bank Premier League meant he was unable to select players from Hearts, Hibernian, Dundee United and Aberdeen, who are all in action tonight.

But Burley declared the exercise worthwhile, insisting: "It was a night to look at players so I don't think the result was that important.

"We wanted to look at young players with the under-19s and under-21s, as well as other players who are too old for that age group, as well as players who have been in my full squad and not played any games and other players I haven't seen before."

Livingston youngster Griffiths – named PFA Scotland First Division player of the year at the weekend – was one who caught the eye of Burley.

The Scotland boss said: "He has good experience and I know Billy Stark has spoken highly of him.

"It was my intention to have a look at a few young players. I think the experience he got will stand him in good stead for the 19s and then the under-21s. And, if he keeps progressing, hopefully it won't be too long before he is pushing into the full squad."

Northern Ireland coach Steve Beaglehole said: "We were always on the back foot and stretched against a more experienced team."