Source: Team_Talk
Burley lauds 'fantastic' Bhoys star
And the national team coach believes there is still plenty more to come from Brown as he named him in his 26-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Holland and Iceland.
Burley expects the midfield to be a key area in Amsterdam next week, with Brown playing an important role for the Scots after helping Celtic claim the Co-operative Insurance Cup at the weekend.
"I've been a lover of Scott Brown since day one," said Burley.
"I was amazed by some of the comments last season. Scott Brown is a top-class international player and he has been absolutely fantastic this season.
"And he's still young, he is still progressing. But the consistency he has shown and the maturity has been great.
"We are very strong in the midfield department. There is competition, which is encouraging because that's an area where you need to be strong.
"There have been a lot [of good players] but, in my opinion, Scott has been the best Scottish player this season.
"Since I've taken over Scotland, he has been outstanding. There is still more in Scott Brown, I'm sure.
"It's great that players are in good form, that's what we need. For them to show that hunger and perform.
"We have five big games and we need everybody working hard for each other.
"We will be up against teams like Holland, who have fabulous individual players, and we have to work hard to get the right results."
Burley is relishing the prospect of having Barry Ferguson, Darren Fletcher and Brown at his disposal for the first time since taking over the reins, as he prepares for Holland on March 28, followed by Iceland at Hampden on April 1.
"I think all three midfield players can perform at the highest international level," he said.
"I haven't been able to have all three together so far as manager so I'm looking forward to it.
"We need everyone playing to their best and having those three players available is tremendous."
The Scotland boss claims he has no concerns about Ferguson after his skipper was singled out for criticism in the wake of Rangers' defeat to Celtic on Sunday.
"Barry is a top-class player and he has bags of experience," he said.
"I've heard criticism of Scott Brown as well. Whatever.
"My job is to get the best squad and the players all working hard together.
"Barry Ferguson is an outstanding international player so there are no problems for me at all."
The cup final, in which Celtic and Rangers contested the first silverware of the season, was hardly a classic and followed two previous uninspiring offerings from the Old Firm.
But Burley insisted: "It's easy to criticise but our game has its own strengths as well.
"Financially, Scotland can't go and buy the best players and that's why it's so important that we work hard at bringing young players through.
"That's the only way we will improve, not only at international level, but at clubs too.
"I enjoyed the cup final on Sunday, it was very competitive and both teams gave it everything and it was a thrilling finish.
"It's a case of looking for strengths rather than just the negatives."
Scotland head into the meeting with Holland second in Group Nine and seeking at least a draw against the table-toppers.
Burley said: "If we can get four points, we would be very happy. That would be a good tally over the two games.
"Holland have won every game in the group so far. I saw them against Norway and we have had them watched numerous times.
"They are a great passing team and, if you look at their squad, there are players from Real Madrid, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City.
"They have a fabulous, talented group of players and we know that they will have the vast majority of the possession but we have to compete against them, that has to be our strength.
"We have to try to win the battles, compete against them and do our best."
