Miller goes solo in Scotland attack

IF A footballer's most powerful incentive is the need to establish himself as a regular first pick, the makeshift Scotland team who face the Czech Republic here in Prague tonight should at least not lack propulsion.

Of the probable starting XI, four will either be making their international debuts or have few enough caps to be endeavouring to persuade the manager, George Burley, of their entitlement to an increase through selection for the World Cup qualifiers that begin in Macedonia in September.

Burley refused all invitations to name his team, but a little probing elicited hints that suggest he will send his out in a 4-1-4-1 formation, based primarily on his admission that midfield is the strongest department and the lack of options in attack.

With Shaun Maloney seemingly certain to be part of the midfield four, the experienced Kenny Miller and the uncapped Motherwell pair, David Clarkson and Ross McCormack, are the only strikers left. With a maximum of six substitutes allowed, Clarkson and McCormack may see action at some point, but Miller will surely start as the nominated lone striker. It is a role he has played with distinction for the national team in the past.

"We may not have too many options in terms of strikers," said Burley, "but I've always said our strongest department is midfield. It's all about how best to utilise the midfield players. In the modern game, you build your team around the midfield and progress from there. That's what we are looking to try to do.

"This is not a just a friendly, – but a very important preparation game both for the Czechs and for ourselves. We only have two left now before we start the World Cup campaign and we have to take them seriously. We will be up for it in the same way we were against Croatia – we will try to win the game and we will be competitive.

"The players know how serious this is. They have not slipped into holiday mode. Far from it."

In midfield James Morrison, the West Bromwich Albion midfielder, seems likely to be given his maiden outing in the dark blue shirt, while Barry Robson of Celtic will finally add to the single, short appearance he made as a substitute in the friendly against South Africa at Pittodrie last August.

Kevin McNaughton, the Cardiff City right-back, could hardly be more urgently motivated, the former Aberdeen player, as reported in The Scotsman yesterday, still trying to escape the haunting pronouncement by Berti Vogts almost six years ago that he did not have the mental fortitude to cope with the international game.

Maloney has enough Scotland appearances almost to be regarded as a veteran, but the little Aston Villa player, likely to occupy a position on the left of the middle four tonight, has remained sufficiently peripheral over the past two or three years to be revitalised by a starting place that has become a rarity.

Every member of the quartet, in common with everyone who accompanied the official party to the Czech capital yesterday, will realise that his inclusion is the direct result of the injury- enforced unavailability of others. Each is also aware, however, that it is from such fortuity that luminous careers often spring, in the great theatrical tradition of the understudy who becomes an overnight star.

They will certainly not lack encouragement from their manager. Despite the six withdrawals from his original 23-man squad – Clarkson the only replacement called up – Burley was conspicuously ebullient on his arrival in Prague over the prospect of tackling formidable opponents playing their last preparation match in advance of next week's European championship in Austria and Switzerland. "We have a good squad and the players are looking lively and up for it," said Burley.

"Yes, we've had call-offs but it's 11 against 11 and we have enough to put out a strong Scotland side. It's unfortunate that we have been inundated with injuries but what we have is a group of players who are desperate to be involved and pushing for World Cup places.

"It's the manager's job to get the best out of the players who are available to him. We have an abundance of talent and the nucleus of an exciting young squad. We will try to utilise that the best way we can and put on a good performance against the Czechs.

"They have been bright and lively in training and have been listening to what we have been saying. The performance, rather than the result, is the key. Our performance against Croatia was excellent and hopefully it will be more of the same over here. I'm looking for good signs and for our players to show belief in themselves against one of the top sides in Europe."

Burley's faith and optimism are commendable, but it is difficult to escape the suspicion that Karel Bruckner's powerful team – in the top seven in the betting for Euro 2008 – will make the Scots' visit to Prague more of a trial than a sightseeing tour.