Tartan Army can roar us to Dutch win, says Burley

Scotland boss George Burley believes the Tartan Army can roar his team to victory over mighty Holland on Wednesday and keep their World Cup dreams alive.

Scotland stayed in contention for a play-off place with a 2-0 win over Macedonia on Saturday thanks to second-half goals from Scott Brown and James McFadden.

The Scots head into their final game of Group Nine against the Dutch knowing a win would secure second spot and a chance of a two-legged tie against another European runner-up.

The Netherlands have already secured their place at South Africa 2010 with a 100 per cent record in the group so far.

Burley knows a win against the nation ranked third in the world will be a massive task but hopes the Tartan Army of fans can roar his side to victory at Hampden.

“We are looking to win the game – simple as that,” Burley said.

“We have a belief we can take the three points. We know what a fantastic team Holland are. But we have fifty-odd thousand fans behind us and we are desperate not to let them down.

“So we won’t be pensive about it. We’ll be nice and positive and try and stop them playing and try and win the game.”

But his Macedonian opposite number Mirsad Jonuz didn’t share Burley’s optimism.

“They have no chance at all with such a performance like today, especially the first-half,” Jonuz said. “It is very hard to be lucky twice.”

On Saturday, Brown headed Scotland into the lead to score his first international goal. He took a heavy knock in the first-half and will be a doubt for the game against the Dutch.

But Burley said he was hopeful Brown would make it and defended the Celtic midfielder for his part in the first-half melee caused by the player’s refusal to return the ball to the Macedonians from a drop-ball after one of their players was injured.

“I don’t think it was Scott who was causing the problems. I think it was about six or seven of their players ran over to him and tried to push him,” said Burley.

“He never got involved with anything in the second-half and showed what a good professional he is. I think initially I could see him pointing to the keeper and he wanted to kick it back to give them the ball.

“But the referee wanted a bounce ball and if it is a bounce ball you try and win the ball so I don’t see the problem.”

McFadden scored the second after a mazy run starting in his own half ended with him rounding Jane Nikoloski to score and help ease the pressure on Burley.

However, the Birmingham City star picked up a booking and will sit out the match against the Dutch due to suspension. His manager said his loss would be a massive blow and was annoyed they couldn’t appeal his booking.

“I thought James in the second-half was unbelievable at times,” Burley said.

“I didn’t realise he was booked. I don’t know where his involvement came in. Whether it was a case of mistaken identity I don’t know. But seemingly there is no procedure to appeal a yellow card at all so there is nothing we can do.

“It is a whole squad that is important to you so other players can come in and fill his boots.”

Suspensions and injuries meant Burley recalled veteran David Weir to the starting line-up for Saturday’s game where he partnered Stephen McManus, who was playing his first competitive game since May.

The pair brought much needed stability to the Scottish defence after the disastrous 4-0 defeat by Norway in their previous qualifying match.

With Gary Caldwell available for the game against the Netherlands on Wednesday the manager has a selection headache.