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BURLEY FEELS WEIGHT OF EXPECTATION
Burley - privileged.
George Burley admitted he will be under more pressure than ever before in his career when Scotland open their World Cup qualifying campaign in Macedonia today.
He may boast 18 years experience in club management with teams such as Ipswich, Derby, Hearts and Southampton and a CV that saw him beat off stiff competition to land the job of national team boss in January.
But Burley insisted nothing he has experienced before can prepare him for the challenge that lies ahead as he attempts to end Scotland's 10-year wait to grace a major tournament.
"I am no longer in charge of a club - it is Scotland so there is more pressure on my shoulders," Burley said.
"I feel there is more weight but I was privileged to be given the opportunity.
"I've had a lot of experience and the SFA (Scottish Football Association) asked me to take over the job. It was the biggest honour or my career and I am confident we can do well.
"It does not come any bigger than trying to take your own country to the finals of the World Cup. I've been involved in big games as a manager before but this is probably the biggest.
"Prior to this, it would be leading Ipswich to the Premiership via a Wembley play-off. We'd missed out in the play-offs for three years before that so it was massive for Ipswich Town that day.
"This is the national team so that is what makes it different. To play for your country is the highest honour and I was lucky enough to be at Spain in 1982.
"So it is that bit bigger than any big league, cup or play-off game with a club because it is in the national interest. There's more weight on the shoulders."
Burley heads into the clash in Skopje still seeking his first win following draws against Croatia and Northern Ireland and defeat by the Czech Republic in his previous three matches and has called for all parties to pull in the right direction.
"This is not about George Burley or any other one individual. This is about trying to take Scotland back to the World Cup finals," Burley added.
"I am not the most important person. I am part of a squad effort. I won't win games or lose games out on the pitch.
"It is for me to put the players together and try to take us to South Africa. It is not about me not winning a friendly - it is about the team unit doing the best for Scotland.
"The rule of football dictates that it is a results-driven business but when it comes to the national team I firmly believe you are talking about the collective.
"I've been given the job because the SFA thought I was the right man - Scottish, experienced and ready for this challenge. We need everybody working together."
