Burley calls for progression

Watch Scotland v Norway live on Sky Sports 1 this Saturday

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 10th October 2008

George Burley Scotland manager

Burley: In confident mood

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George Burley is looking for his Scotland side to put in a positive performance against Norway on Saturday.

Having begun their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign with a lacklustre 1-0 defeat in Macedonia, the Scots knew improvement was vital when they made the tricky trip to Iceland last time out.

A confidence-boosting 2-1 success in Reykjavik was duly secured, ensuring Scotland head into their next instalment on the road to South Africa in buoyant mood.

Burley accepts that Norway will provide stiff opposition at Hampden Park this weekend but believes his side are capable of picking up another vital three points.

"We have had three or four very good days in training and I think we have formulated a team," he told Sky Sports News.

Continuity

"We have a really good squad, but what we are really trying to do is progress form Iceland.

"I was pleased with the second half in Macedonia, we then had a very good win in Iceland, and we are looking for continuity of the squad, players, systems, style of play. We are well settled.

"Norway are a good side, these games are very tight as they are very closely matched, and both countries are desperate for a win.

"But we will play to our strengths. Norway have got their strengths, but we will try and combat that and influence the game with our play.

"We have got 22 players and every one of them will play their part. I think we showed in Iceland that you need alternatives and combinations and I feel we have got that in the squad."

Talented

Burley's preparations have been hindered by the unavailability of key men such as Barry Ferguson, Stephen McManus, Kenny Miller and Alan Hutton, but the Scotland boss insists he has full faith in those available to him.

"Naturally you would like all your players fit," he conceded.

"We have some very talented players not available, but that doesn't change our mindset.

"We are trying to get another three points and I think we are in a good position.

"Whatever the squad is we are trying to build and I'm very pleased with the way it's progressing."