Refreshing display unrewarded

Strap yourselves in: Scotland are intent on taking the swashbuckling route to South Africa. George Burley removed any lingering doubt over his intentions for the imminent World Cup qualification process with a cavalier approach to neutralising Northern Ireland at Hampden Park.

As a result, last night's final warm-up was thrilling, adventurous and, in a remarkable change of tack, occasionally over-indulgent. Alas, for all their territorial, technical and tactical superiority, Scotland were tangibly unrewarded.

Nevertheless, this was an experiment rich in promise and possibility. All that was missing was a goal.

A home match against Celtic cousins was a curious choice of rehearsal for the two away games, against Macedonia and Iceland next month, that will define Scotland's World Cup destiny. Burley, though, is clearly not a man to conform to the conventional. It was heartening to watch a Scotland side perform with such verve; attacking - if ageing - full-backs, driving midfielders and a crown jewel in a No.10 jersey.
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James McFadden, making his Burley-era debut, came closest to beating his Birmingham City colleague, Maik Taylor, with a hook shot that was instinctively patted-away by the veteran goalkeeper.

Burley now has just over two weeks to fine-tune his system, a natural goalscorer the only glaring deficiency evident in the eventual bombardment.

Scotland caused themselves problems with their ceaseless endeavour. Alexander and Gary Naysmith were waved up the pitch by Burley as he watched from the technical area, arms folded like a chemistry teacher awaiting the desired result of his scientific concoction.

The ploy kept Northern Ireland encamped in their own half for most of the game. As a consequence of pinning Northern Ireland to their own 18-yard line, Scotland could not squeeze through the human barrier. Kenny Miller toiled in his usual unselfish manner, McFadden marvelled in moments of inspiration. The supporting cast stood out. Scott Brown tormented poor Ryan McGivern, the Manchester City reserve captain who made his debut despite his failure to make a first-team appearance.

Brown's energy and contemptuous drive demoralised the young full-back, who was dismissed for a second bookable offence after an hour.

Allan McGregor replaced a redundant Craig Gordon for the second half and immediately conceded a penalty. Given the Rangers goalkeeper's surging confidence, it may have been a deliberate ploy to steal the limelight with an exceptional stop from David Healy's assured kick. Darren Barr came within inches of scoring on his effortless international debut.

Kris Commons, the unknown Derby County winger, replaced James Morrison, the recent recruit from West Brom, and enhanced the already eye-catching aesthetics. It was more than a productive exercise. Kevin Thomson forgot a tepid start to his season at Rangers and enjoyed a robust 45 minutes, while Michael Stewart ended a six-year international hiatus, replacing Darren Fletcher.

Twelve years and 11 games have elapsed since Hampden enjoyed the hollow satisfaction of a friendly win. They will not mind waiting a little longer. Australia were the victims of Ally McCoist's opportunism back in 1996. This week, Burley's enthusiasm would have you believe the World Cup qualification campaign began against Northern Ireland.

Such unfiltered optimism is the foundation of his football philosophy. It transformed Hearts into short-lived title contenders, encouraged Ipswich Town to a thrilling renaissance. He has smiled his way through another handful of call-offs and appealed to the nation's sense of pride to sign-off from the sparring sessions with a win against Nigel Worthington's side.

It represented, on paper at least, a tougher proposition than the imminent adversaries. Macedonia accepted a less taxing invitation from Luxemburg, while Iceland hosted Azerbaijan. The night began with a predictable pantomime. The Tartan Army booed their way through God Save the Queen, while the 7000 Northern Irish fans attempted to drown out Ronnie Browne's birthday singsong. The Corrie turned 71 this week. The boos may have been mutually disrespectful but it provoked an edgy soundtrack.

Scotland, in smart 1970s retro kit, wasted no time in applying the manager's adventurous instructions. They pressed as prodigiously as a Chinese laundry service. It was a remarkable sight: Scotland flooding forward with reckless abandon, at times evidently against the instincts of a team revived on a staple diet of starchy, strategic football. The rarity of a striking partnership, Miller and McFadden, was accentuated by the most vibrant and industrious midfield for many an international match.

Morrison started so dynamically that a double-take was required to confirm that he and McFadden had not changed jerseys. Not that McFadden was overshadowed: this, after all, is his domain. He kept Chris Baird and Stephen Craigan in a constant state of insecurity.

Steven Davis, whose permanent return to Rangers should be concluded today, could do little but chase as Scotland stroked the ball around patiently. A little too patiently for those expecting goals.

A lapse from David Weir gave David Healy hope of a profitable counter-attack but the 38-year-old recovered. Northern Ireland barely engaged with the Fulham striker and their cause was compounded with McGivern's ejection. The introduction of Warren Feeney made an instant impact. He shot clear of the defence and was up-ended by McGregor. The goalkeeper redeemed himself and natural service was resumed.

Barr, McFadden and Graham Alexander peppered Taylor's goal near the end to no avail. Keeping their powder dry for Skopje, you see.

Taken from the Herald