Burley gambles on Kyle for final throw of dice

Beleaguered Scotland boss George Burley defended his decision to hand Kevin Kyle a shock recall to the international set-up after rewarding the Kilmarnock striker for his freescoring recent form.

The 28-year-old forward, who last appeared for his country in 2004 during Berti Vogts’ ill-fated spell in charge, has been included in a 25-man squad for make-or-break World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and the Netherlands next month.

Scotland must win their last two qualifiers to have any chance of snatching second place in group nine — which the Dutch have already won — and reaching next year’s finals in South Africa via the play-offs.

Burley, who is widely expected to be sacked if Scotland fail to get the wins they need, has also handed recalls to veteran Rangers defender David Weir, Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon and injured Celtic defender Stephen McManus.

He insisted that former Sunderland and Coventry hitman Kyle, who comes in at the expense of the injured Ross McCormack, would give Scotland something they have been lacking of late.

“Kevin gives us that physical prescence, he scored eight in nine at the end of last season. He had a knock in pre-season but came back and scored two goals on the first game of the season.

“He is strong and aggressive and can score goals. We don’t have that type of player and that’s the reason we brought him in. I’ve taken advice on him as well. Kevin is a bit different and that’s something you might look to start or bring on as a sub in the last ten minutes if you’re looking to get the ball into the box early.”

While Kyle is not assured of a starting place, Burley confirmed that Gordon, who made his first competitive start in four months in Sunderland’s 4-1 League Cup win over Norwich on Monday, and Weir will both start against Macedonia on September 5.

Weir, 39, was dropped from the squad that was beaten 4-0 in Norway last month but with Gary Caldwell suspended for the clash against Macedonia as a result of the red card he received in Oslo and doubts over the fitness of Steven Caldwell and McManus, Burley said he had no choice but to bring him back to the fold.

He added: “I’ve been in touch with Davie ever since I’ve been the manager. He has played in some of the games but he’s coming on 40 and it’s a big ask for a player of his age to play international football. He is a model professional and one I’ve always admired, but you are always trying to introduce other players.

“I wouldn’t pick him unless I was going to play him. We felt that if I wasn’t going to play him it would be better if he was preparing with his club. He will be in the starting line-up for this game. International football is a big jump from the SPL. We have a number of centre-halves not 100 percent fit, Gary Caldwell is suspended, so David comes into the equation.”

Provided he stays fit, Weir will become Scotland’s oldest outfield player since Jimmy McMenemy in 1920.

Burley dodged questions about his own future but it seems increasingly likely that he will be dismissed if he fails to take Scotland to at least the play-offs to give them a crack of competing in a major tournament for the first time since the World Cup in 1998.

“Macedonia are level on points with us and have a lot of talent,” he said.

“I am sure it will be very close and if things go for us then hopefully we can take the three points into the Holland game. My focus is for Scotland and I will do my best for my country, nothing else matters Will I keep my job? Who knows, but I will do my best to get the results. This is for my country and I will do my best.”