Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Burley excited by Argentina test

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY : Scotland v Argentina
Venue: Hampden Park Date: Wednesday, 19 November Kick-off: 2000GMT Coverage: BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Sport website. Highlights on Sportscene, BBC One Scotland 2255GMT


Scotland manager George Burley
Burley is relishing the prospect of facing Maradona again

Scotland manager George Burley does not think there is any risk attached to the Hampden friendly with Argentina.

With the home squad decimated by call-offs, fears of a morale-denting defeat have been raised as the visitors look to impress new manager Diego Maradona.

"This is a tremendous game for Scotland to have," said Burley.

"We have to go and perform well and try to get something out of the game as we build on things for the Holland game - another top 10 country in the world."

Burley's tenure has not started promisingly, with two draws and a defeat in friendlies, coupled with just one win from three World Cup qualifying ties.

The next qualifying match is a tough trip to Amsterdam in March but the manager remains optimistic and is looking forward to locking horns with Maradona again.

"We're in second position in our World Cup group, with everything to play for," continued Burley, who was in the Scotland team beaten 3-1 in Glasgow in 1979 by an Argentina side inspired by the teenage Maradona.

"It will be great to see the flair and excitement the Argentina players have in their lockers. They certainly won't be sitting behind the ball.

Maradona was the greatest player I've ever played against

Scotland manager George Burley

"Sergio Aguero is one of the best young players in the world and it will be terrific for the fans to see talent like that.

"The whole world's press will be at Hampden. That's brilliant."

Burley was one of the Scotland defenders left bewildered at Hampden as Maradona claimed his first international goal during a dazzling display that announced his arrival on the world stage.

"Maradona was the greatest player I've ever played against," Burley added.

"It's one game from my international career game that sticks in my mind. He was quicker with the ball than without it; once he had the ball at his feet you couldn't catch him.

"He's a legend in Argentina and now he'll be out to prove himself a world class manager."

The Argentina players are expected to put on a good show for their new boss but Scotland skipper Barry Ferguson admitted he too would like to shine in front of one of his boyhood heroes.

"Of course you want to try and impress," said the Rangers midfielder. "But I don't think he'll be too bothered about us."

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