Gary Caldwell edges out Davie Weir in Scotland plans

Jun 1 2008

GEORGE BURLEY last night admitted Gary Caldwell has played himself into Scotland's World Cup line-up ahead of David Weir.

The Celtic stopper turned in a great performance beside his club partner Stephen McManus on Friday night in the 3-1 friendly defeat to the Czech Republic.

And the national boss has told MailSport the jersey is now Caldwell's to keep. Weir and McManus were Scotland's backbone for the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, starting the final eight group games together at the heart of defence.

However, Burley has rested the Rangers veteran from his first two friendlies - and Caldwell has seized his chance.

Burley said: "That's my second game in charge and it's clear Stephen and Gary have formed a good partnership at international as well as club level.

"They have shown in the last couple of games they can do well at this level.

"Other people have got to take their places off them now.

"Gary has grown in stature even when he has been under pressure this season.

"He has got stronger - and that says a lot for the boy."

Burley's side is next in action on August 20 for a friendly with Nothern Ireland at Hampden.

It's his last chance to make up his mind before the World Cup qualifiers kick off on September 6 in Macedonia.

Burley insists he's as ready as he can be and, barring injuries, there are now only four or five starting slots up for grabs.

He said: "I've seen six or seven players who have shown enough and are going to be in the side.

"You are always going to have injuries but you need a good nucleus of players who have done well on a regular basis.

"After that you have proven quality players who will come back into the squad.

"My fingers are crossed that we'll have most of them available for our coming games."

Burley will now go on a short family break before taking in the final stages of Euro 2008.

However he reassured the Tartan Army his spies have orders to watch Group Nine rivals Holland.

He said: "Jim Fleeting and Billy Stark will watch them. And if they progress hopefully I'll see them in the later stages."