Burley calls up Fletcher and Berra

March 19, 2008

New Scotland manager George Burley has began his preparations for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign by calling up promising young stars Christophe Berra and Steven Fletcher to his first squad as national team boss.

The Edinburgh based duo have been included in the pool for next weeks international friendly with Euro 2008 finalists Croatia at Hampden Park on 26th March.

Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has also been included, despite doubts over his fitness. Veteran defender David Weir has been omitted from the squad, however, although Burley insists this is purely down to his hectic club schedule.

“I think with a friendly game we can give him a little break and look at other players,” said Burley.

The former Hearts manager has insisted though that he believes Weir can add to his existing 61 caps for the Scotland team.

“It is fairly clear with the amount of games Davie has played this season and his age, he has done incredibly well,” said the manager.

“But to ask him to play another game (would be too much), and for Scotland’s point of view we have got to look at other options as well.

“But I certainly haven’t ruled him out for the World Cup qualifiers. He is still playing exceptionally well.

“At his age he is not going to play forever but he has done terrifically well for Rangers and Scotland of late.

With Scotland eyeing the qualification campaign for the 2010 World Cup finals, which begins in the autumn, all eyes will be on Hibs strike prospect Fletcher, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. The youngster took his tally to 14 for the season by scoring against Kilmarnock at the weekend.

“Steven is one of the leading goalscorers in the SPL - he has got talent,” said Burley.

“He is a player I have admired for a long time.

“With his quality, he is another youngster who deserves his opportunity in the full squad.”

Scotland face a tough ask to qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa, entering a group with Holland, Norway, Macedonia and Iceland.

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