Berra Be Good

Mar 16 2008 By Mark Guidi

Hearts Star Gets The Nod As Weir Sits Out Friendly

SCOTLAND boss George Burley will tomorrow name Hearts skipper Christophe Berra in his squad for the friendly against Croatia - as Davie Weir gets set to sit it out.

Burley has been impressed by the 23-year-old Jambos central defender and will give him his international debut against Slaven Bilic's men at Hampden in 10 days.

Rangers stopper Weir has played 43 games for Walter Smith's side this term and will be rested for the national team.

Berra was a kid coming through the ranks at Tynecastle when Burley was manager and made a positive impression.

He has developed his game well although Burley conceded there is still work to be done.

The national manager said: "Berra is pushing to get into the squad. I'd have no qualms about playing him.

"At Hearts I was lucky to have Steven Pressley and Andy Webster as my central defensive partnership. Christophe was in the reserves.

"He is now coming along nicely and that's good for Scotland. He has pace, a good left foot, is strong in the air and also a talker on the pitch.

"Sure, he is still learning and maturing but he's getting there.

"I have watched him twice this season. Against Motherwell he was excellent and against Rangers he wasn't at his best.

"Guys such as Christophe are ones we need to look at because some players in the squad are in the twilight of their careers.

"Weir has been terrific and I haven't ruled out playing him in the World Cup games but I'll speak to Walter about him. I'll be sensible about his situation and might leave him out of this one."

Burley's search is on to find a partner for Stephen McManus. The fact the Celtic skipper and Berra are both left-footed is not a problem for the Scotland boss. He said: "You need a balance and you seldom see two left-sided defenders together but I'd never rule it out."

After the Croatia clash Burley will only have twomore chances to work with his squad before the opening 2010 World Cup qualifying double-header in Macedonia and Iceland.

He would prefer an away friendly in August and said: "We don't have opponents lined up for the dates in May and August.

"In future I'd like to know our schedule at least a year ahead rather than monthly.

"The date in August is important.We could play away to Finland but nothing has been confirmed.

"An away game would be the best preparation."

Burley knows Macedonia will cause problems just as they did against England during the Euro 2008 qualifiers when they drew 0-0 at Old Trafford and narrowly lost at home.

Burley, speaking at the Sponsored by you event organised by Scotland team sponsors Nationwide Building Society, warned: "Macedonia have some terrific players. The way they played against England speaks volumes and they will go into this campaign full of confidence."

Burley and his assistant Terry Butcher have been scouring Britain looking for fresh talent.

Kevin McNaughton, who can play right or left-back, is under the microscope after impressing for Cardiff City this term.

Steven Fletcher at Hibs is also a contender but it's likely he will stay with the Under-21s and step up at the end of the season.

Burley said: "We've been to SPL, Premiership and Championship games looking at players. The first question we always ask is 'Are they good enough?' We're trying to build a squad to get us to the World Cup."

NATIONWIDE are offering Scotland football tickets, VIP packages and signed shirts through the Sponsored byyou.com campaign.