The Scotland boss is frustrated at having his preparation for the opening 2010 qualifier against Macedonia in September wrecked by injuries and call-offs.

Seven players – including skipper Barry Ferguson and goal hero James McFadden – missed his first game in charge against Croatia because of knocks and will also sit out Friday's friendly in Prague against the Czech Republic. Rangers duo Steven Whittaker and Kevin Thomson were yesterday ruled out of the Czech game along with Spurs defender Alan Hutton.

That means the likes of Fergie Faddy, Davie Weir and Lee McCulloch  – none of whom have been able to feature for Burley – must trap for the August friendly against Northern Ireland or run the risk of being left on the sidelines when the competitive games kick off.

Burley won't pick a team for the trip to Skopje on past glories and insists he has to go with players he KNOWS fit into his system rather then ones he HOPES will fit the team shape.

Burley said: "You say I won't have my best team around me until September, but the only "best team" I can see is the players who play for me at the moment. The Euros were nine months ago and that's in the past. It's what happens this September that's important. The players who play now have more of an advantage to be in that World Cup game than those who don't. They are in pole position. If they perform well then they stay in the side.

"If I'm a club boss I have games pre-season to build up for the league. As an international manager I have these games to prepare for the World Cup. This is important. The players who play and have an impact will have a great chance of still being in the side for the World Cup. I've got to consider the players who play. I need a blend together in a team before the qualifiers."

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