Burley heaps praise on 'limited' Broadfoot

SCOTLAND manager George Burley, normally one of the most diplomatic speakers in football, yesterday praised Kirk Broadfoot as a player of "limited ability" who had managed to force his way into the national squad. The blunt assessment of the Rangers defender might be regarded in many quarters as uncontentious, but it runs contrary to Burley's usual practice of talking up his squad.

It would not be regarded as a textbook way of building up a player's confidence, and could incur the wrath of some Rangers supporters. Nonetheless, Broadfoot himself lent some credence to Burley's words by admitting that he had been surprised by the call-up, and that, at first, he had thought it was only a wind-up.

Broadfoot has been called into the party for the World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Iceland after a number of withdrawals – and the loss of three more players because of injury yesterday made Burley decide to bring in Michael Stewart, the Hearts midfielder.

Callum Davidson, Kevin McNaughton and Kevin Thomson were the three players to call off yesterday, while earlier in the week Garry O'Connor, David Weir and David Marshall all withdrew. Barry Ferguson and Allan Hutton were already unavailable because of injury.

Jamie Langfield is in as goalkeeping cover and Stewart will be midfield back-up, but it was Broadfoot who appeared to inspire most enthusiasm in Burley when the manager addressed the media yesterday.

"It's great to see somebody, you've got to say maybe with limited ability, who has really worked hard at his game and progressed and held his own in Europe," Burley said.

"Kirk is a player who has progressed. Going from St Mirren to Rangers has been a big test for him. But he commanded a regular place in the Rangers team all last season and played in their European games, and you saw on Sunday how much he has improved as a full-back.

"I was at the (Celtic vs Rangers] game and I thought he was outstanding against Aiden McGeady, who is one of the best wide players in Britain. He is a determined character and we need those type of people away from home, especially in World Cup qualifying games, so I had no hesitation in bringing him to the squad."

Broadfoot admitted he thought he was having his leg pulled when he was told of the call-up – unsurprisingly so, given the call came from the Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist.

"This is not something I expected," the 24-year-old said. "I got a phone call from Coisty and I thought to myself: 'He's winding me up.' It's the type of thing Coisty or Kris Boyd would do. But the more he talked the more I realised he was serious. I couldn't believe it. He was over the moon as much as I was, to be honest. When it did sink in, I was thrilled about it.

"I'd been planning a few days away with my missus and was in the process of booking a trip to Marbella when the call came. But this is a great bonus for me."

The scheduling of an Old Firm match the week before the World Cup campaign gets under way has been criticised in some quarters, but Broadfoot saw it as ideal. "An Old Firm game is probably the perfect preparation for players to go and play for Scotland," he said. "You've come out of probably the hardest game in the league – no disrespect to the other teams."

Burley might not regard the scheduling in quite the same light, but he did point out that Thomson was the only direct loss because of the match between the Glasgow clubs.

"Barry Ferguson and David Weir were not involved in the Old Firm game. Old Firm games are competitive, and it happens. There have not been any arranged for after international games. You're talking about one player with an Achilles injury, and that could maybe happen any time.

"Some key players were out before we started – Barry Ferguson, Alan Hutton – but the actual shape of the team hasn't changed. The personnel may be slightly different, but I haven't changed my mind on the shape. We worked at it yesterday, we're going to do a little bit more at Hampden today, so that's set in place.

"We've been unlucky with injuries, which you get, so that's why I named 25. We've got 22 to go to Macedonia and I'm comfortable with the size."

He is also comfortable with the personnel. The loss of Thomson in addition to Ferguson may leave Scotland short of midfield playmakers, but the manager is convinced that is the area of the team in which he can most afford such withdrawals.

"Midfield, and our two goalies who I think are top-class internationals, are the strongest element of our team as far as the competition is concerned. So we've got other players who can take their place.

"Kevin has had a terrific season – he has settled down at Rangers now and has big potential. He'll get his day, but it's an area where we have got other players to come in."

There could still be further call-offs before the squad fly out to Skopje tomorrow for Scotland's opening Group 9 match against Macedonia. James Morrison, for instance, believes himself to be fit, but his club manager, Tony Mowbray, is not so certain.

"I picked up a little knock on Saturday, but I just rested it for a few days and I'm sure I'll be fine," the West Brom player said. "I missed a few call-ups in the past and I'm desperate to be involved."

Mowbray, however, suggested that eagerness to play might be affecting Morrison's judgment. "James suffered an injury and is a doubt for Scotland as well," the former Hibs boss said yesterday. "My initial fear was that he'd suffered damage to his medial ligament in a block challenge during the game against Bolton.

"He was adamant that he wanted to play and he did, even though he had a slight knock. They have assessed his injury and it's not quite so bad as first thought. I'm sure James will tell George Burley that he wants to play, but he may not be fit for it."