Burley hails Scottish goalkeepers

Gordon and McGregor will compete for the Scottish No.1 spot

Scotland boss George Burley says Craig Gordon and Allan McGregor are two of the best goalkeepers in Europe.

Sunderland's Gordon has been first choice for Scotland in recent years, with Rangers' McGregor now deputy.

"Craig has done very well and Allan's had a terrific season," Burley told BBC Sport. "It's great to have competition for places.

"To have two of the best keepers in Europe is terrific and I think both of them are top class."

Burley will this Autumn begin his first qualifying campaign as the Scots aim to reach the finals of the 2010 World Cup.

Interview: Scotland manager George Burley

And the national manager was impressed with Group 9 opponents the Netherlands, who exited the competition at the hands of quarter-final opponents Russia, at Euro 2008.

"There's no doubt they're going to be favourites for our group, but you've got to go into games without any fear," he said.

"Holland is one of the best teams in Europe, they've got got world class players.

"On their day, they can beat anyone, but Russia showed that they could be beaten as well.

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"We've only got eight games to qualify for the World Cup and that's what myself and the players have got to be very focussed on, but we're really looking forward to.

"The key is trying to collect points no matter who we play against. We've got three other very good teams in the group as well."