Burley: 'Boyd has shown a lack of respect for this country, and for myself'

GEORGE Burley yesterday reacted publicly to Kris Boyd's decision to turn his back on Scotland with what could only be interpreted as a contemptuous dismissal of the Rangers striker's worthiness to wear the dark blue jersey. The national team manager also accused the player of a lack of respect for Scotland and his manager.

Burley, more animated and heated than he has been since succeeding Alex McLeish ten months ago, not only delivered a damning verdict on Boyd's attitude, industriousness and general capabilities, but concluded that the player's resignation from international game was not worth the furore it has caused.

Burley has been accused in many quarters of making a serious mistake by refusing to play Boyd at any stage of the scoreless draw against Norway last Saturday which has damaged the Scots' prospects of reaching the World Cup finals in 2010.

Unsurprisingly, he countered that, while working with the players in his squad in the days of preparation for the match, he is in a much better position than anyone to judge their readiness and suitability to participation.

"There is no part of me that can understand his decision to quit international football," said Burley. "When you're picked for a squad, it's an honour. As a player, I went to World Cups and didn't play a game. So you're disappointed, but it's your country we're talking about.

"When you're born and bred in the country and you turn your back on it, it's impossible to understand. I see the players in training, I'm the one who works with them and assesses how they're shaping up. If certain players are looking sharper, brighter and more willing than others, they will be the ones who will make an impression.

"Kris Boyd wasn't showing me enough to convince me that he should be on the field. I know he will have his supporters and that I won't be everyone's favourite, but I'm the one whose job it is to make judgments and stand by them. I've earned this job and I will make the decisions."

Burley was obviously alluding to those whose support of Boyd is based on his scoring statistics when he added: "Reputations in the past don't count. It's not what you did three months or six months ago that count, but what you're doing now. If past reputations counted, Kenny Dalglish would still be playing for Scotland.

"I've been to see Rangers in big matches, such as Celtic and Hibs this season, the Uefa Cup final in May, and I haven't seen Kris Boyd. Walter Smith at Rangers is, in my opinion, one of the best managers in Britain and over the past year or so, Boyd hasn't been a regular. That tells you there's maybe something that's not right. There are things he has to work on, he has to get his act together and establish himself with Rangers."

Burley also gave an unambiguous insight into Boyd's willingness when he was asked if he considered the player's resignation to be a loss. "Of course, it's a loss," he said, "in the sense that you want him to push on with his club and with his country. You want him coming along and saying, 'I'm going to be the main man, I'm going to do enough to show I should be the first pick'.

"I think Scottish fans want people to show the character you need to play for Scotland, no matter what. I think he's shown a lack of respect for this country and for myself. As I've said, it's not about me or Kris Boyd or any individual, it's about the country as a whole and trying to make sure you don't let people down. I've also heard people say that Kris Boyd had nothing to prove. Hey, we all have something to prove."

There seems little doubt that Burley, at least, will not be receptive to a change of heart by the striker. Asked if the door was closed on Boyd, the Scotland manager's answer was a terse, "He's the one who's said he doesn't want to play."

Burley's employers at the Scottish FA have yet to make known their intentions on the matter in public, but that is almost certainly because it will have to be discussed by the full board. That is likely to take place some time this week, and it may be assumed it will not be allowed to pass without investigation and consequent reaction.

Reports that Boyd, who joins club-mate Lee McCulloch as a reluctant internationalist, may be followed by others who are unhappy working with Burley, seemed to leave the manager unimpressed.

"I've had no indication of that from anyone," he said. "In fact, Barry Ferguson came to see me before the Norway match and told me he couldn't wait to get back from his injury and playing for the national team again. He is hopeful of being ready for the friendly against Argentina next month."