Burley confident for qualifiers

Burley: Has hope

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Scotland manager George Burley is confident his side are in good shape ahead of their World Cup qualifiers.

The Scots played out a goalless draw with Northern Ireland on Wednesday, which means Burley is still without a win since taking charge.

Despite their failure to win at Hampden, Burley is with his squad ahead of their opening World Cup qualifiers with Macedonia and Iceland next month.

"We have a group of players who work hard for each other and they are passionate to do well," he said.

"There are areas we can still improve on but we are going into it in good spirits.

"We have two difficult away games but hopefully we can come back with some points.

"It was good to see some fresh blood, who can do you a job.

"At the moment, there are still four or five players who are border-line in terms of being fit so that is going to dictate the team.

"We have been a bit unfortunate with injuries since I took over but there is nothing you can do about that and it gives other people opportunities.

"When we know who's going to be available, that will give me a clearer mind about who us going to play."

Striker worry

Burley admitted his strike-partnership of James McFadden and Kenny Miller did not have the impact he wanted.

"We tried James McFadden and Kenny Miller up front and they maybe just lacked that little bit of cutting edge," he said.

"When you are at home and you have a few chances and you put teams under pressure, you are looking to put the ball in the net.

"We were unfortunate a couple of times not to score so it was just that lack of cutting edge that would have won us the game.

"There is still a bit of work to be done but they worked hard and it takes time for any partnership to form.

"At home, you are looking to play with your two strikers and put people under pressure. At times I thought they did well but there is still work to be done.

"It's something we have to look at but they both worked their socks off and at times they did well.

"In the second half, we were unfortunate not to get a goal. It was a point-blank save from about two yards from McFadden and if it goes in then we have won the game and the partnership has worked.

"They are both excellent strikers and excellent players - it maybe just doesn't happen overnight."

While admitting he has striking issues, Burley has a better problem in goal - with Craig Gordon and Allan McGregor both playing 45 minutes, and both keeping a clean-sheet - indeed the Rangers man saved a second-half penalty.

"There is a close call because you are talking about two top-class international goalkeepers," he continued.

"I've said from day one we are fortunate to have that because they are both outstanding.

"Craig Gordon has been terrific for Scotland so we are in a very healthy position. It's healthy competition.

"At the moment, Craig is the No.1 but Allan has come in and done exceptionally well.

"At this precise moment Craig has not put a step wrong but he knows that Allan has 45 minutes under his belt and has shown what a top-class international goalkeeper he is as well."