SCOTLAND boss George Burley is adamant
arranging a friendly international at the end of such a long season is a necessity - not an indulgence.
When he heads for the match against the Czech Republic in Prague on May 30, Burley already knows he will be missing several key players, including skipper Barry Ferguson, defender Davie Weir and midfielder Scott Brown through injury, tiredness and pre-booked surgery respectively.
SQUAD
To play Czech Republic on Friday, May 30:
Gordon Sunderland
Marshall Norwich
Anderson Sunderland
Berra Hearts
Caldwell Celtic
Dailly Rangers
Hutton Tottenham
McManus Celtic
McNaughton Cardiff
Naysmith Sheff Utd
Whittaker Rangers
Fletcher Man Utd
Hartley Celtic
Morrison West Brom
Rae Cardiff
Robson Celtic
Thomson Rangers
Boyd Rangers
Fletcher Hibs
McCormack M'well
McFadden B'ham
Maloney Aston Villa
Miller Derby
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All of which has forced him to name a 23-man squad bolstered by five players looking for their first-ever caps, Ross McCormack, Kevin Thomson, Steven Whittaker, Christophe Berra and James Morrison.
In anticipation of call- offs for the game against one of the favourites for Euro 2008, Burley has deliberately named a large travelling party and hopes the liberal sprink-ling of youth will ensure enthusiasm for the trip will be maintained.
Burley is treating the game seriously as it is one of the few get-togethers he will be afforded before the qualifying games for the 2010 World Cup kicks off against Macedonia in September.
And he defended his decision to ask his players to pull on their boots one more time before heading off on eagerly-anticipated holidays.
Burley said: "Some countries have two or three games over this period, while the Republic of Ireland have a week's training camp before they play two games.
"I don't want too many games, but you need some preparation. I felt I needed one game to get a squad together. There are five uncapped
players and a lot of young players. Sixteen of them are under 25.
"It is going to be a very stern test. It's a case of building. There are two more games before the World Cup starts in
earnest and this is a cracking one to play in.
"The Czech Republic are one of the best teams in Europe. They are
preparing for Euro 2008, so it will be very tough."
BURLEY must now sit and wait to see who turns up, and he is disappointed the number of games Rangers still have to play will increase the risk of players pulling out injured.
The number of teams in the SPL, playing more games at the start of the season, improving communication between
ruling bodies and even the subject of cup replays should all be reviewed, in Burley's opinion.
He is confident everyone wants to pull together, and said: "The country has been successful, now we are asking can we help the country, can we help the clubs?
"It's time to look at it. I don't think it's fair the number of games
Rangers have to play, but there's nothing we can do about it now.
"But it is something that has to be looked at for the future because it's not realistic to ask a team to play seven games in this short period of time."
