Hreidarsson: George can tractor pull you to glory

Sep 7 2008 By Gavin Berry In Oslo

World Cup

HERMANN HREIDARSSON is convinced George Burley can lead Scotland to the World Cup if he recreates the team spirit that spurred Ipswich to success eight years ago.

The Iceland ace played under Burley when the Tractor Boys amazingly sealed a European slot just a year after winning promotion to the Premiership.

So Hreidarsson reckons our national team is in safe hands - but hopes to put a dent in Burley's plans when the countries clash in Reykjavik on Wednesday night.

The Pompey star is looking forward to catching up with his old gaffer but won't speak to him until after the Group Nine qualifier.

He laughed: "I have so much respect for George but will I speak to him before the game? Will I b****cks! I can speak to him after - depending on the result.

"I've had a lot of good managers and George is up there with the best.

"The team spirit at Ipswich was tremendous. He always made sure the players went out together and had a laugh.

"If he can replicate that in the Scotland camp I'm sure they can make it to the World Cup.

"George had us playing good football at Ipswich. We finished fifth in the Premiership and it was a tremendous achievement.

"The season after that we got relegated but that was down to us being in the UEFA Cup.

"As soon as we went out of Europe we won seven of our next eight games.

"In the end we ran out of steam and it was maybe too big a task to challenge on both fronts for such a small squad."

Hreidarsson is now an established Premiership star and owes a lot to Burley for helping his career progress.

He said: "George had great belief in me. Every player gains confidence from playing every week because you know your manager is behind you.

"I had a great relationship with him and never had to complain. I hope he didn't have any complaints about me.

"He appears calm on the outside but George lost his temper when he needed to.

"George knows what he wants. He is hands-on in training and likes to see people working hard on their passing game.

"It will be totally different as an international manager because he won't be working every day with the players."

Hreidarsson knows Iceland are outsiders in Group Nine but believes a victory over the Scots could boost their chances.

He said: "Holland are favourites then Scotland and Norway are behind them.

"Ourselves and Macedonia are outsiders but the four teams outside of Holland will all take points from each other.

"Scotland have some good players so it will be tough.

"When the Scots beat us 2-0 in Reykjavik in 2002 there was such a buzz about the game because of the Tartan Army.

"Unfortunately I was injured when we lost 2-1 at Hampden but I was in the stand - with a beer - and had a great day."