Burley hopeful for McManus fitness

Scotland manager George Burley has said he remains hopeful that Celtic’s Stephen McManus will play in Saturday’s key World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands despite missing Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Dundee United with an ankle injury.

Celtic coach Gordon Strachan said that the defender had “no chance” of making the Premier League clash, but gave the player the green light to prove his fitness for the trip to Amsterdam.

McManus will meet with the rest of the Scotland squad later Monday and his fitness will be assessed then.

“I knew he wasn’t going to be playing but he’s not definitely out of Saturday’s game,” Burley told the Scottish Sun.

“We’ll have a roll call on Monday and see who’s fit. Our medical people will assess the situation.”

Scotland are looking to get something out of the Amsterdam game even if it is only a point to boost their hopes of at least finishing second in the group and going through to a two-leg qualification playoff game.