SFA chief executive Gordon Smith today confirmed George Burley's position as Scotland manager is not under threat.

Despite the faltering start to our World Cup qualifying campaign, Burley retains the full support of his employers.

There are no plans to review the situation until the summer of 2010. And that option was put in place when Burley signed his four-year contract in January this year.

Burley held an impromptu press conference today to answer questions on the goalless draw against Norway - his sixth game in charge, during which he has won only one match - and the revelation that Kris Boyd is refusing to play again for his country while the present manager is in charge.

Smith is standing right behind his manager and continues to have complete faith in Burley to turn things around and get Scotland back on course to qualify for the finals in South Africa.

Speaking at Hampden today, the chief executive said: "We are not reviewing George's position.

"I said that last week before we played Norway, regardless if it was a defeat.

"It wasn't a defeat, and as far as I am concerned we are still very much in the group. Until such times as we are not, we don't have to review anything.

"So, as far I am concerned, there is no change to what I said."

Smith confirmed: "George has a contract until 2012, but there is an option after the finals in 2010."

He accepts that some cynics may say the SFA simply can't afford to contemplate paying off Burley when his lucrative contract still has more than three years to run.

But the chief executive refutes that and said: "The decision will not be financial. Having made the decision on it (Burley's appointment), we need to show a bit of resolve.

"If we turn around right now and say we are not going to make it to the finals, we would be giving the impression we are not going to make it, and I don't see that at all.

"I have always made the point since the draw was made that next March and April are the crucial times.

"The games then, against Holland and Iceland, will determine where you are in the group."