Burley believes Scotland can pull off shock

Ronnie Esplin in Amsterdam
SCOTLAND manager George Burley insists his players believe they can pull off a shock win against the Netherlands in tonight's World Cup qualifier in Amsterdam.
The Dutch are Group 9 leaders with maximum points from their opening three games and are unbeaten in their last 15 World Cup qualifiers.

Scotland's best bet of reaching South Africa next year looks to be through a play-off via second place but, ev en before a raft of withdrawals through injury, few neutral observers would have given them a chance at the Amsterdam Arena.

However, Burley, speaking at the stadium before Scotland's last training session, stressed his players have travelled with belief in their ability to take all three points.

"The players do believe we can win," he said. "As far as the players are concerned there has been no negativity at all.

"We are looking forward to it, it doesn't get any bigger than coming to Amsterdam to play a team that is top six in the world.

"It's a challenge that the players and myself are up for, we will give it our best shot and see where it takes us.

"We know that we are against a quality side and we know it's going to be difficult, but it's a team game not an individual game.

"Individually they have world class players, maybe stronger than us, but we have to use our strengths to compete against them. We have to make it difficult, to compete and win our individual battles and take the game to them.

"Of course, we need maximum points from our home games but we are looking to get a good result on Saturday.

"The team will be officially named to the players tomorrow. They have been looking fit and sharp in training and are looking forward to it."

Scotland captain Barry Ferguson plays in his first World Cup qualifier under Burley and the Scotland manager insists the Ibrox skipper brings added quality to the crucial midfield area.

He said: "I'm pleased that Barry is available. Getting him back in the squad for the first time in a World Cup game is essential to give us an opportunity to qualify. The midfield with Barry, Darren Fletcher and Scott Brown can match anybody.

"It's a place where Holland are very strong so it's going to be an interesting tussle. But Barry, Fletcher and Brown are not going to be frightened by it. There is no illusions, it's going to be tough but we are looking forward to it."

Already without long-term injury absentees James McFadden and Shaun Maloney, Burley suffered his fifth withdrawal from his squad on Thursday when Celtic skipper Stephen McManus failed to shake off an ankle injury and stayed in Scotland along with David Weir, Kirk Broadfoot, Kris Commons and Paul Hartley.

In the absence of Weir and McManus, Wolves defender Christophe Berra will partner Gary Caldwell at the heart of the defence for his first start in a dark blue shirt after three caps as substitute.

Burley is confident Berra will emerge a stronger player for his experience. He said: "Christophe is a very young player but has a lot of league experience with Hearts and Wolves. He has been in every squad in the last year, he has been patient but this is what it's all about – the challenge to get better – and I'm sure he won't let us down."

Taken from the Scotsman