“Limited” Broadfoot impresses Scotland manager Burley

Scotland manager George Burley believes Rangers defender Kirk Broadfoot should be saluted for forcing his way into the national squad despite having “limited ability”.

Burley called-up Broadfoot after being hit by six injury withdrawals ahead of Scotland's World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Iceland.

Burley revealed Broadfoot's performance against Celtic winger Aiden McGeady in Sunday's Old Firm win at Parkhead confirmed his place in the squad.

“It's great to see somebody, you've got to say maybe with limited ability, who has really worked hard at his game and progressed and held his own in Europe,” Burley said.

“Kirk is a player who has progressed. Going from St Mirren to Rangers has been a big test for him.

“But he commanded a regular place in the Rangers team all last season and played in their European games and saw on Sunday how much he has improved as a full-back.

“I was at the game and I thought he was outstanding against Aiden McGeady, who is one of the best wide players in Britain.

“He is determined character and we need those type of people away from home, especially in World Cup qualifying games. So I had no hesitation in bringing him to the squad.”

Burley has criticised the decision to schedule an Old Firm derby just before international week after losing Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson to injury, while Celtic's Stephen McManus struggles with an ankle knock.

But Broadfoot believes the passionate nature of the Glasgow grudge match has been the ideal way to prepare for the Scotland matches.

“An Old Firm game is probably the perfect preparation for players to go and play for Scotland,” he said.

“You've come out of probably the hardest game in the league – no disrespect to the other teams.”