I always knew Burley would reach the top, says former mentor Tommy McLean

Aug 31 2008 By Mark Guidi

TOMMY McLEAN always knew George Burley would excel as a manager - now he's aiming to help his former pupil pull off his finest achievement in the game.

McLean signed Burley for Motherwell as a veteran player and allowed him to cut his teeth in coaching.

That led to his first job at Ayr United and after spells with Ipswich, Derby, Hearts and Southampton, the Scotland boss has returned the favour by making McLean part of his backroom team.

The 61-year-old sits in the stand to assess Scotland's opposition during games and passes on tips to Burley at half-time if tactical tinkering is needed.

McLean will perform this crucial spying role in Macedonia on Saturday and hopes it can help lead to a winning start on the road to South Africa 2010.

He is convinced Burley can get us to the World Cup and said: "I signed George for Motherwell, he was always keen on coaching. I recommended him to Ayr and also gave him a good reference when Ipswich chairman David Sheepshanks was looking at him for the manager's post.

"It's pleasing for me George has worked his way to the national job and I'm glad to be part of his set-up.

"My role is to sit and watch the opposition during games then pass on my observations to George before he goes in for the half-time team talk.

"I'm in the dressing-room but don't interfere. I just pass on bullet points.

"Half-time can be frantic but George is rational and makes all the decisions - that's what he's paid to do.

"He us usually to the point with the players, quite forthright. We know there's not an abundance of talent in the Scottish game but he does get his points across.

"It's all about achieving results and George has to get the best out of the players to win games in the qualification campaign.

"He also likes the lads to pass the ball and get forward, whereas in the past the national team might have been more about counter-attacking.

"He is shrewd and knows it's all about winning. He's not daft and realises his job is to get us to the World Cup.

"It will be tough but I'm sure he can take the team in the right direction."