FOOTBALL

BURLEY BLASTS BOYD FOR QUITTING AND WARNS SCOTS WANT COMMITMENT

George Burley: Disappointed with Boyd

Tuesday October 14,2008

By Scott Burns

FIGHTING George Burley has blasted Kris Boyd for showing Scotland a lack of respect and has insisted he only wants players who are committed and are ready to go to war for our World Cup cause.

The under-fire national boss held a press conference at the national stadium to speak about Boyd’s shock decision to hang up his Scotland jersey - after he was snubbed during the weekend draw with Norway.

Burley - who also insisted he was in the job for the long haul --admitted he was disappointed with the Rangers striker who has decided to follow in the Lee McCulloch footsteps, but only wants players who are 100 percent behind his bid to get the country to South Africa 2010.

The Scotland boss said: “I don’t know what Kris’ designs were but his decision is not helping Scotland.

“I’ve always maintained that this isn’t about me or Kris Boyd, it’s about the country.This doesn’t help at all because there are those who will side with Kris and those who will side with me.We need everyone together.

I think Kris has shown a lack of respect to his country and to myself

George Burley

“I want people who are willing to go to war for their country.I think Kris has shown a lack of respect to his country and to myself.

“For me, it’s important that players show that commitment and passion to play for their country.

“There are areas where you may be upset but it’s your country. At club sides you might move on but this is your country you’re talking about.

“At the end of the day, I just want committed players because I’m Scottish through and through and I want the players in my squad to be totally committed.”

Burley has admitted he finds it absolutely staggering that the 25-year-old has decided to hang up his international boots adding

“I can’t understand someone not wanting to play for their country so that’s why I can’t understand Kris’ decision, Burley insisted.

“I went to World Cups and never played, but I never turned my back.

“Why? Because it’s an honour to play for Scotland, a big honour.“This is not an easy job but I’m totally committed.”

“Barry Ferguson actually came to see me before the game, absolutely buzzing, can’t wait to get back into a blue shirt to captain the team, which is terrific.”