Source: Team_Talk
Burley: Weir will take on Macedonia
The Rangers defender has been told he will play in the crunch World Cup qualifier against Macedonia at Hampden on September 5.
There is an element of desperation surrounding the forthcoming Group Nine double-header against Macedonia and Holland, both of which have to be won if there is to be any chance of making South Africa next summer and it was reflected in Burley's 25-man squad announced at Hampden on Tuesday.
Kilmarnock's bustling striker Kevin Kyle, who has not played for his country for more than five years, was reinstated as was Stephen McManus, despite the Celtic defender having not played a competitive game since last season due to a knee injury.
Weir's international career was thought to be over after he was left out of the squad for the 4-0 defeat by Norway in Oslo earlier in the month with the Scotland boss admitting he was looking for younger options.
However, Gary Caldwell's suspension for the game against Macedonia and fitness doubts over Steven Caldwell and Christophe Berra, led Burley to make an SOS call to the Ibrox stopper.
"No it wasn't a difficult phone call to make, not at all," Burley said.
"I've been in touch with Davie since I've been the manager, he has played in some of the games and played against Norway at Hampden last year.
"But David is turning 40 and it is a big ask for a player of his age to play international football, it is a big jump up from the SPL.
"Davie is a model professional but you are trying to introduce other players.
"I wouldn't pick him if I wasn't going to play him.
"I spoke to him before the Norway game and last week and David will be in the starting line up for the Macedonia game.
"We have a number of centre halves of whom we are unsure about their fitness and Gary Caldwell is suspended, so David comes in to the equation."
Burley, who defiantly batted back questions about his future while claiming critics had targeted him even before he took the job, claimed the inclusion of McManus had the blessing of Celtic boss Tony Mowbray.
The Scotland boss, though, admitted that it was another gamble.
"I am a big admirer of Stephen and I have kept in touch with him," the former Hearts and Derby manager said.
"There is no doubt that Stephen has had his critics but he is a honest, competitive centre half who will die for the cause and he has done very well for Scotland and for me.
"Sometimes you have to take a gamble. He is going to play against Newcastle in a bounce game on Thursday.
"I also spoke to Tony. His fitness is good and it's now about getting games.
"He will probably be in the Celtic squad for next Sunday against Hibernian, so he is raring to go and it's about assessing him as well as the other centre halves."
Kyle's inclusion will also raise eyebrows given that he appeared to be in the international wilderness since his last cap against Denmark in 2004.
The former Sunderland player himself believed his Scotland career was over but Burley will call upon the big striker's brawn if either or both of the two matches are not going to plan.
"Kevin gives us that physical presence," the Scotland boss said.
"He scored eight goals in nine games at the end of last season, he had a knock pre-season and then came back in to the team and scored two goals.
"So he is strong, aggressive and can score goals and we don't have that type of player in the squad."
Fit-again Craig Gordon returns to the squad after playing his first game in four months against Norwich in the Carling Cup on Monday night.
Burley confirmed that the Sunderland keeper will replace David Marshall.
"I've said since day one that Craig is the best keeper I've ever worked with," the Scotland boss said.
"He gives the back four confidence, he played against Norwich on Monday night in the first game of the season for him and he was outstanding.
"So it is a big bonus for us to have a top international keeper in the squad. I'm really pleased."
