I Won't Accept Limp Excuses

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Scots Boss Tells Stars To Play Through Pain

GEORGE BURLEY wants Scotland's stars to play through injuries for the sake of their country's quest to reach the World Cup.

And the national boss asked the players' club managers to understand and support him in this plea.

Burley yesterday announced a squad of 25 for the qualifying double header in Macedonia and Iceland - his first competitive matches since taking charge in January.

Crocked Spurs right-back Alan Hutton has not made it and it could be next year before Barry Ferguson returns from ankle surgery.

But any other player who feels a slight twinge or tight muscle when they report for Scotland duty next Monday had better be prepared to be told to get on with it.

With Scotland's head man warning the clubs he will not allow players to pull out with minor problems. He turned a blind eye to them in his three friendly matches in charge.

Burley said: "For World Cup games if it's an injury they can play with then they will.

"You are going to take little risks and push through in that situation because it is the biggest tournament in the world.

"Losing Barry was a blow and now Hutton as well but there is nothing we can do about that.

"We have a good squad and it's been good to work with them for three friendlies.

"It gives me more of a feel for what they can and what they can't do.

"I have a clear view in my mind what the team is going to be against Macedonia and how we are going to play. We will be giving players every opportunity but if we feel they can play then we will be pushing it through.

"It is important for the country we do so. Club managers realise that when it's a World Cup game it's important for everyone in the country that we do our utmost to get the best team we can.

"You want your best players but we have two missing who were automatic choices. There is no point whingeing about it.

"We can't go and buy one or get one in on loan. We have others there who have performed and done well and we will take it from there."

Birmingham striker Garry O'Connor has made the squad despite past misdemeanors.

Cardiff's Ross McCormack may feel unfortunate to be kept in the Under-21s after a sizzling start to the season.

Shaun Maloney has made it, as have Kris Commons and Darren Barr, debutants against Northern Ireland.

Burley said: "O'Connor was at the get-together when I first arrived and I said to him then he needed to play football.

"He had a problem with a mouth abcess and didn't really get going at the end of last season.

"But I spoke to Alex McLeish and he told me Garry had a terrific pre-season, scored five or six goals, and started the season very well.

"He gives us a physical presence and is in form - that's why I brought him in.

"As far as what has happened in the past then I have never had any problems with Garry and I don't anticipate I will.

"As for Shaun, he likes to play on the left, coming in or off a striker. So he has two positions where he is very good.

"He has ability, experience, a new lease of life and it's great to be able to bring him into the squad.

"Shaun is maybe a couple of games away from being at full tilt because he missed a lot of football last season.

"Barr and Commons both did well in the second half. I saw Darren against Celtic on Saturday and he did well.

"He is a young player, composed and likes to pass the ball from the back.

"John Hughes thinks the world of him because he has captained the side for two years.

"Kris Commons gave us the width we were lacking at times.

"He is a natural wide player, likes to take players on, is a good crosser with his left or right foot and deserves to keep his place."

There is not one new player in a squad which is a mixture of old and new.

Hutton, left, had become one of Scotland's best players and his loss is clearly a sore one for the manager.

Burley said: "I think we've a blend of youth and experience. Of course the loss of Hutton is a big blow - we've spoken about it, we are aware he was injured preseason and we were hoping he might be available.

"But unfortunately he is not. In in the last few years has shown he is a top-class international footballer. He is one of the best full-backs in Britain so that is a big blow but these things happen.

"He's not even training yet so he is still a bit away.

"Thankfully Graham Alexander comes back into the squad. He is experienced and while he is in the twilight of his career he has been involved in World Cup games. Kevin McNaughton is also back in.

"I spoke to Dave Jones at Cardiff and he will play on Saturday so that gives us cover in the right-back position."