Stark determined to honour Burns' legacy

BILLY Stark aims to help the Celtic players in his Scotland Under-21 squad through a painful day when Tommy Burns, his close friend and their influential former coach, is laid to rest.

Stark's team take on Norway in a friendly tonight after the funeral for his former Celtic Park team-mate, who lost his battle against cancer last Thursday.

The venue, Rugby Park, makes tonight even more poignant for Stark, who was assistant manager to Burns at Kilmarnock and Parkhead.

"Tomorrow is going to be an extremely difficult day, that is an understatement," Stark said.

"But the game is at the end of it and there are a lot of people, the Celtic boys are here, who have worked with Tommy on a daily basis, and it's going to be difficult for them as well.

"But, as happens in life, we have to get on with it and fulfil our obligations and that's what we plan to do."

The squad includes Celtic youngsters Ryan Conroy and Scott Cuthbert, who worked closely with Burns in his capacity as head of youth development and first-team coach.

"He had a special talent in terms of dealing with people, and young players in particular," Stark said. "You could see that would have a profound effect on them. We hope that they can get through a difficult day and produce tomorrow night."

Stark added: "He was a unique individual that will not be forgotten."

One Celtic player who will not be involved is Paul Caddis, who remains with Gordon Strachan's first team ahead of their Premier League title decider at Dundee United on Thursday.

Kilmarnock defender Ryan O'Leary is out injured with Hibernian centre-back Darren McCormack and Falkirk full-back Chris Mitchell coming in.

Stark was already without several players because of the extended SPL season, but he is viewing the new look as a bonus midway through the Uefa Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign.

"The fixtures on Thursday night have ensured we are without some players and there is a great opportunity," the former Queen's Park manager said. "How the new ones perform and react is something you can never be sure of. There is a good enthusiasm about the group. Paul Caddis is with the first team and Ryan O'Leary had an injury a couple of weeks ago and was always touch and go. Everyone else is here so that says a lot. They were keen to come to play for their country."

Stark is without every member of the three-pronged attack who have helped Scotland stay in touch with group leaders Finland. Ross McCormack and Steven Fletcher are in the full squad for the friendly against the Czech Republic, while Rangers forward Steven Naismith is injured. But, with the likes of Graham Dorrans and Calum Elliot to come in, Stark believes they can maintain an attacking edge.

"The squad has been positive and we have had plenty of goal attempts in all the games, from before my time as well," he said. "We have got the personnel to continue that."

• Scotland have been drawn against holders Germany in the group stages of the Uefa European Women's Under-19 Championship in France this July.

Scotland face three tough group games with Sweden and last year's finalists, England, also drawn in Group B. Scotland kick off their campaign against Sweden in Amboise on 7 July.

Coach Ritchie Wilson, who will take the team to the competition this summer, said: "We're up against the current holders, last years finalists, and another strong side in Sweden, so we have three challenging games ahead. But, with the strength in our team, we'll be looking forward to every game and to progressing to the next stage. Now we'll focus on getting the squad together and beginning final preparations for the tournament."