You Can Be Shocktroops Like Greece

Feb 10 2008

TAKIS FYSSAS believes Scotland can match Greece and become Europe's shock troops under George Burley.

The Euro 2004-winning full-back was one of Burley's first signings when he took Hearts on a rollercoaster ride to the top of the SPL.

And despite the Jambos boss staying for just 12 games Fyssas saw enough to know that Scotland now have a winner in their dugout.

He said: "George is one of the best coaches I've seen. He was close with the players - we enjoyed the games and especially the training.

"He tried to takemeto Southampton when I was leaving Edinburgh butmy heart was with Panathinaikos.

"I'm sure Burley will do well for Scotland because the players will love playing for him."

Canny German boss Otto Rehhagel led Greece to a shock Euros win in Portugal four years ago and Fyssas reckons Scotland can follow their lead.

He said: "Scotland can do what we did. Why not? You have already taken big steps in the last few years.

"For us Euro 2004 was a dream. It was a big surprise - one that maybe won't happen again for 200 years.

"But we did have a good side. And we played for the team, not ourselves. "The Scots have this quality too."

Fyssas also believes the appointment of former Hearts pal Steven Pressley to Burley's staff could work wonders.

He laughed: "I thought I was seeing things when I read that. But George and Steven had a great relationship.

"Sometimes Steven is tough, too tough maybe, on his team-mates.

"He asks too much but it's because he believes his team has to win all the time. That's not a bad thing."