Burns full of praise for Miller

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Scotland assistant manager Tommy Burns says Kenny Miller has emerged as a "top-level footballer".

The Wolves striker has scored in his last three internationals to revive Scotland's World Cup qualifying hopes.

Burns says Miller's performance and goal in the 1-1 draw with Italy were proof that he is able to compete with the world's best defenders.

"Kenny has taken himself to another level in everybody's estimations," Burns continued.

"His performances against Italy, against two of the top defenders in Europe, put him in another area entirely.

"He had a difficult time and he took a lot of criticism but you see how he has come through that.

"His character has come to the fore. He is strong-minded and he has become a top-level football player."

Miller himself has credited Scotland manager Walter Smith and Wolves boss Glenn Hoddle for his improved form.

We have every right to be optimistic we can win the next two games Scotland assistant manager Tommy Burns

"I have good managers with club and country and have really enjoyed working with both of them," he said.

"They have shown their faith and belief in me and that breeds confidence.

"I took a bit of stick against Italy and Belarus last season, but Walter Smith has stuck by me. That belief in me is a great boost.

"I have played in every game under Walter even though I had a couple of misses earlier in the year.

"They weren't bad misses but, in the last couple of seasons, I have been in and out.

"I have played six in a row for Scotland now and have started seeing the benefit of that."

Burns, meanwhile, is convinced Scotland can snatch the play-off place from Norway and Slovenia by repeating their performances against Italy and the Norwegians.

Scotland can still qualify for the play-offs if they beat Belarus and Slovenia and Norway drop points.

"It won't take a miracle," added Burns.

"It will take two performances similar to Norway and Italy and if we can maintain that levelof consistency there is every chance we can get the results we're looking for.

"It was a fantastic performance against Italy and then to go to Norway and win was outstanding. That certainly gives us great hope for the future. We have every right to be optimistic we can win the next two games.

"It's fair play to the players and they see there is a chance, albeit it's a slim one. It's something we can play for. Perhaps before that hope wasn't there."