George Burley: I believe completely in myself as Scotland boss

Sep 14 2008 Mark Guidi

SCOTLAND boss George Burley has hit back at his critics and told them he has nothing to prove.

Burley's credentials have been questioned and he faced serious flak after losing to Macedonia last weekend in our first World Cup qualifier.

But a crucial 2-1 win in Iceland on Wednesday handed the 52-year-old his first victory since taking charge in January.

And the former Ipswich and Hearts boss insists he won't let the snipers shoot down his dream of leading Scotland to the 2010 finals in South Africa.

He said: "I'm totally focused on my job.

My aim is to improve the team and win as many points as I can.

"Things have been said but if I allow that to pull me down I wouldn't be able to do my job properly.

"I've been a manager for 18 years and reached the top. I was once Manager of the Year in England ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson and Gerard Houllier.

I believe in my own ability and must be strong and focused."

Burley was criticised for describing Kirk Broadfoot as a player with "limited ability" after calling him up for the opening double-header. The Rangers defender then went on to score against Iceland after being handed his debut by the Scots boss.

When asked if regretted using those words about Broadfoot, Burley said: "I've no regrets. I've had a word with Kirk about it and explained how some people tried to turn my comments round.

"When Kevin Keegan played for Scunthorpe he only had a certain amount of ability. But he worked hard to become a world-class player. Kirk is a good pro who has worked to improve his game. He's getting better and better."

Broadfootwill miss out on the right-back spot for next month's game against Norway if Spurs star Alan Hutton is fit.

But there is a place up for grabs along - side Gary Caldwell in central defence as Stephen McManus is suspended.

Burley said: "We have to look at replacing Stephen. Kirk can play in there and we have Davie Weir too.

"Scoring goals has also been a problem and we're working on it.

"The door is not closed on any player. If they are in top form at club level they will have a chance."

One player who appears to be guaranteed a game is Scott Brown.

The Celtic star was used as a holding midfielder against Iceland and the gaffer was pleased with his performance.

Burley said: "Scott is a top international player. My thoughts on him are well known.

"He can play everywhere in midfield.

Scott is still young and learning but will keep improving - that is for sure."

With McManus suspended and Barry Ferguson injured, Burley will have to choose a new captain against Norway.

Darren Fletcher was handed the armband when McManus saw red in Reykjavik but Caldwell and Weir could also take over.

Burley said: "When I decide I will speak to the player in question before going and announcing my decision in public."

Meanwhile, SFA president George Peat is fighting to save Scotland from more fixture chaos when they play Norway in Oslo next August.

The game was due to be played on August 19 but UEFA asked FIFA to move it forward a week to accommodate early matches in the UEFA Cup.

It is now scheduled for August 12 but Peat wants it moved back to the original date to save the Tartan Army hassle.

He said: "Our fans will have booked flights for the 19th. We're speaking to FIFA and UEFA to try to sort it out.

"Norway will also be well into their domestic season and our players could be doing with an extra week's preparation."

Peat and chief executive Gordon Smith were savaged byDundee United boss Craig Levein last week for starting the World Cup campaign with two away fixtures.

But Peat blasted: "We were praised when the fixtures were decided then 10 months later someone says it was stupid.

"We had no manager in place at the time but Gordon phoned Walter Smith, Craig Brown and Alex McLeish to ask them what they'd want.

"They all agreed the most important thing was to avoid playing a game in June."

Peat also revealed he wants to increase the retirement age of referees beyond 47.

Refs chief Don McVicar disagrees but the SFA president said: "I've planted the seed with Don. We'll see what happens."