Burley relishes McFadden return

SCOTLAND v NORTHERN IRELAND
Venue: Hampden Park Date: Wednesday, 20 August Kick-off: 2000 BST Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Scotland, coverage on the BBC Sport website and highlights on BBC One Scotland at 2315 BST

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Burley is pleased to have James McFadden available

George Burley is excited at the prospect of pairing James McFadden with Kenny Miller in Scotland's attack in the friendly against Northern Ireland.

Manager Burley has Birmingham striker McFadden available for the first time since he took charge in January.

"The last couple of squads, I haven't be able to announce him but now I'll be looking to pair him with Kenny Miller," Burley told BBC Sport.

"I'll be pleased to have a look at him in a Scotland shirt on Wednesday."

McFadden has often been deployed as a wide player during his international career and Burley added: "James has got ability and talent and he's versatile.

"Certainly, his attacking prowess is his strength.

Wednesday's game at Hampden will be Burley's last opportunity to see his players in international action before next month's World Cup qualifiers begin with a trip to Macedonia.

"The nucleus of the team that starts on Wednesday will hopefully start in Macedonia," Burley said.

"We've got three or four players who have had to cry off through injury.

"It's an important game to try to get them to gel."

Scotland will be missing injured skipper Barry Ferguson for their first two qualifiers but Burley is sure his fellow midfielders will take up the mantle.

"We're fortunate at the moment. We've got a number of top-class midfield players," Burley said.

"We've got players with similar talents to Barry.

"I've got selection problems in that position so I'll have no problem filling that role.

"Of course, we'll miss Barry. He's the captain, he's a big inspiration off the field."

Celtic midfielder Barry Robson says Scotland can end their absence from international competition and qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

Scotland missed out on Euro 2008 when they lost to Italy at Hampden in a thrilling deciding qualifier.

There's a new manager in and we've all got a chance to impress Scotland midfielder Barry Robson

Robson, who will start against Northern Ireland, is confident of success.

"We want to generate the same again and hopefully go that step further and get there," said 29-year-old Robson.

The midfielder is expected to earn his third cap when the Scots entertain Northern Ireland, and he is keen to establish himself as a regular in manager George Burley's squad.

"I don't know if I've established myself as a first-team regular, I have to prove myself first," said Robson.

"You've got to stay in the side, it's not a case of turning up every time and expecting to play. I don't think any player can do that.

"There's a new manager in and we've all got a chance to impress. We want to win every single game but as the manager points out, he wants to try some things. The more games you win it breeds confidence."