George Burley insists his players have to be fearless in tonight's crunch World Cup qualifier against Holland at Hampden Park. Scotland go in to the game on a high following the 2-0 win over Macedonia on Saturday but all three points are still probably required against the runaway Group Nine winners if they are to have a chance of a play-off spot. Burley believes his side will be in the right frame of mind for what he admits is a career highlight for him. The Scotland boss said: "It is one of the most exciting games of my managerial career, one to look forward to and there is everything to play for. It doesn't come any bigger. I haven't got a clue (how Holland will approach the game) and I'm not really worried. It's about what we do. We know the qualities of Holland but we can't fear them. We are in the last game of the group and we are looking to win against one of the top countries in the world. They will want to keep their unbeaten record going. But whether we are underdogs or not, it us up to ourselves to be strong, determined and play to the best of our ability with the passion and commitment that we showed on Saturday."
Burley, however, is worrying over the fitness of keeper Craig Gordon who is struggling with a thigh strain. The Sunderland keeper was in goal against Macedonia after recovering from a knee injury and made several crucial saves. If Gordon fails to make it Scotland will turn to David Marshall, who has conceded 11 goals in his three games for Scotland to date. Burley refused to say whether Gordon would have made the game had it been played 24 hours earlier. Speaking on Tuesday, Burley said: "The game is tomorrow so we will assess him tomorrow. He played on Saturday and came through it with no problem but he's had a reaction and we will assess him tomorrow. You want all your key players to be available. We have 22 players all desperate to play and if Craig was fit it would be a big bonus for us." On the question of reinstating Marshall, who lost four goals in Norway last month, Burley said: "As I say we have a very good squad. If Craig is fit he will play and if not then we will look at somebody else."
On a more positive note, the Scotland boss confirmed that midfielder Scott Brown, who scored his first goal for his country on Saturday, has shrugged off an ankle injury. Burley said: "Scott is fine. He jarred his ankle, he didn't get a knock on it. He wasn't too bad and he will be training this afternoon." Burley, however, is wrestling with the dilemma of what to do with Gary Caldwell, who returns after suspension. Veteran Rangers stopper David Weir was drafted in to the squad for the Macedonia game to cover for the Celtic defender and due to injury to Christophe Berra, Caldwell's Hoops' team-mate Stephen McManus played his first competitive game of the season. Burley will have to decide whether to drop either Weir or McManus, or accommodate Caldwell in a holding midfield role. However, the Scotland boss was keeping his cards close to his chest. He said: "The whole squad did magnificently well on Saturday but Wednesday is a different game. It is two games in four days so it's nice to have options. I don't see a problem with Davie Weir playing another 90 minutes. But Gary has played well in the campaign so far so it's something that we have to look at." | Editor
Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba net)
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