Burley vows to carry on

George Burley has vowed he will not be forced out of his job as Scotland manager.

The former Ipswich and Southampton boss has come under fire following Scotland's poor start to qualifying for the 2010 World Cup and Kris Boyd's shock decision to retire from the international scene.

Burley came out fighting on Monday when he held a press conference to explain why he did not play Boyd in the goalless draw with Norway and he insists he will not walk away from his job.

"I've never had a moment's doubt that I should carry on," Burley told the Daily Record. "I'll battle and I'll scrap and I'll go on doing what I feel is right.

"I've managed for 18 years and I earned the right to be in charge of the national team.

Focused

"I'm not everybody's favourite but I'll stay focused and I'll make the tough decisions. I was the man the SFA chose and I'll fight tooth and nail to get Scotland to the World Cup finals."

Burley also rejected suggestions that the team was picked by a committee comprising backroom members Terry Butcher, Steven Pressley and Tommy McLean, claiming he is the one who picks the starting XI.

"It's ridiculous to say decisions are made by committee and that this is unsettling the players," added Burley

"I had Tommy in the stand at Hampden on Saturday but that's something I did with other people when I was at Ipswich and Hearts.

"This isn't an easy job but the decisions that are taken on Scotland's behalf are mine and mine alone."