Eck knows Burley has no hiding place

Sep 21 2008

ALEX McLEISH felt every inch of every blade going in to George Burley's back after Scotland lost to Macedonia.

But Big Eck knows his Scotland successor can cope - because he wouldn't have touched the job if he couldn't.

McLeish is now dealing with the pressure pot of the English Championship as he tries to take Birmingham City back up. However, he knows more than anyone about the burden of expectation across the border.

He said: "I get why the frenzy happens but sometimes you need to step back and think. There should be more understanding.

"The problem is Rangers, Celtic and the national team are the only ones that matter to the media in Scotland, no disrespect to the rest.

"There's more intensity being the manager of one of those three. I've been in two of those positions and there's no hiding place.

"You have to keep belief in yourself. George got a fantastic result and went from zero to hero within a few days.

"If you think you're not going to get this kind of thing with Scotland, don't take it. But George won't let it affect him and we're still in a strong position."