Time To Look Ahead

After the disappointment of Wednesday's result against the Netherlands has settled in a bit, managers and coaches in Scotland are looking to the future of the national side. Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist insists there is no point going over what might have been as he urged Scotland to move on from their World Cup failure. Former Scotland and Rangers striker McCoist was as disappointed as the rest of the country as George Burley's players saw their hopes of qualifying for South Africa shattered by a 1-0 defeat against Holland. But he believes there were enough positives from the game to be optimistic about the future, rather than focusing on the past. McCoist knows the pressures that a management team can be under as he was part of Walter Smith's Scotland backroom staff.

He said: "We've got to move forward. The non-qualification is a big disappointment for everybody - the players, coaching staff and the fans. But there is no point moping about it, we have to look forward. The second-half performance against Macedonia was very good but I was really pleased with the boys on Wednesday night. I was chuffed to bits for them. A big result was needed - which they didn't get - but they gave a big performance and I think the reception at the end of the game that the fans gave the players showed they were thankful for their efforts and encouraged by their efforts. We have to look forward. There are some new guys who came in and did themselves no harm at all. I'm always the optimist, rather than the pessimist."

McCoist was impressed by the Rangers contingent, with Steven Naismith excelling in his first start and Steven Whittaker looking assured in the left-back role in place of the injured Callum Davidson. But he had sympathy for striker Kenny Miller, who hit the crossbar and missed another glorious opportunity. McCoist said: "I was off my feet, as we all were at that point. Kenny came in to finish it and knocked it back across and the goalkeeper made a great save. I thought he could maybe have lifted it but that's just the way it goes, it was one of those nights for Kenny. He hit the bar and had a couple of good efforts and, speaking from experience, I know exactly how he feels. Wee Broony (Scott Brown) had a great chance in the first half and Garry O'Connor had the opportunity late in the game so we definitely had chances to score against a very good side who are rated third in the world just now. There are definitely a lot of positives."

Meanwhile, Burley has been backed to continue as Scotland boss by current and former Scottish managers. Burley will meet with the SFA next week to have a de-briefing session on a disappointing Group Nine campaign. Dundee United's Craig Levein, Kilmarnock's Jim Jefferies, Hibs John Hughes and former Scotland boss Craig Brown all believe Burley should be given a second chance. The first three named above have been mentioned as possible Scotland managers of the future so could have a vested interest in how the SFA treat Burley in the wake of missing another major tournament. Levein said: "It's not good to be having a new man in charge every year or so and, with the way the team are starting to play, it does not make any sense to consider a change now." Jefferies said: "I don't think anyone can blame George, he was a bit unlucky. I don't see any reason to change it, they should stick with him." Hughes, who said he "shared the disappointment of the nation" added: "George Burley's definitely the man to take us forward - you need that continuity." Brown believes the "full responsibility" for the qualifying failure lies with Burley but said: "I personally would keep George and I'd say to him, 'Get these young guys together and let's have a go for the next campaign'."