GEORGE BURLEY is confident his Scotland midfielders will be able to cope with the searing heat in Skopje when they take on Macedonia on Saturday - if they use their heads.

The mercury is expected to top 100 degrees during the World Cup qualifier and there are fears about how the national team's boiler room will cope with the conditions.

Scott Brown, Darren Fletcher and Paul Hartley - who are being tipped to start in this Group Nine showdown - are all renowned for their hard work and aggression.

However, Burley has revealed his sports science team has prepared the players thoroughly and will be monitoring their hydration levels closely.

In addition, he will send his team out to play in his first competitive match in charge with specific instructions designed to combat the stifling temperatures.

George agreed: "There is no doubt that some of the lads will have to be more thoughtful in terms of conserving their energy in this match.

"It's going to be very, very hot on the pitch in the middle of the afternoon so they will have to think more about their natural game of chasing and pressing the ball.

"That shouldn't stop any of them from getting forward or chasing back when the need or opportunity arises. They just need to put more thought behind every move they make.

"We don't want to stifle in any way what they are good at, but we want them all to have the reserves to last the full 90 minutes.

"The players have already been tested for their hydration levels and these will continue to be checked right up until kick-off."

Both Burley and his assistant coach Terry Butcher have played international football in high temperatures before - in Spain in the 1982 World Cup and in Mexico in the 1986 World Cup respectively.

Burley added: "We are advising them to drink plenty of fluids such as energy drinks and just plain water and also giving them supplements that help to lessen the effects of dehydration.

"On top of that their diet is also being monitored so we are doing everything we can in terms of preparation, but have to depend on the players themselves once the game starts.

"Everything is very scientific nowadays so all the lads will be mentally and physically ready.

"Terry Butcher and myself have both played in similar temperatures.

"I suffered it in Spain in 1982 and Terry played for England in places like Mexico.

"At the end of the day you just have to get on with it.

"Other countries in our group will have to play there when it is hot so there will be no excuses."

Burley, despite the conditions and dangers in Skopje, is hopeful that the Scots can get off to World Cup flyer.

The manager knows that a decent points haul from the first two matches - Scotland face Iceland next midweek - would lay a solid foundation for qualification.

Burley said: "Macedonia are at home and will be looking for a win. They're going to try and take the game to us, but we'll be trying to get a good start."