Jeepers keepers! Paul backing boss

24 March 2009 06:26
Craig Gordon has retained his status as number one choice since Burley took over the helm from Alex McLeish last January but a question mark now hangs over his place in the team following a lack of first-team action at Sunderland. Allan McGregor has just three caps and has never featured in a competitive match for the national team but his form for Rangers means he could be given the nod instead. Burley refused to be drawn on his last line of defence against the Dutch when he named his squad for the double-header against Holland and Iceland last week, leaving the Tartan Army playing a guessing game. "That's a decision the manager has to make," Hartley said. "You have to look at what Craig has brought to the team over the last couple of seasons. "I played with him at Hearts and I know what a good goalkeeper he is. "But we are in a position where we have two excellent goalkeepers. "Craig's not playing and everybody is making a big issue of it. Allan has been playing and has been on top of his game. "It's a tough decision for the manager to make but I'm sure he will make the right one." Hartley himself is hoping to have a part to play in Burley's plans, with the midfield expected to be a key area for the Scots. With Barry Ferguson, Darren Fletcher and Scott Brown all available for selection, the Scotland boss has plenty to ponder in that area of the field. "That's why you pick a big squad, to have as many players as possible available," Hartley said. "It will be a tough decision for the manager what formation he goes for. "The strongest area of the park for us is probably the middle of the park." Asked about his own form for Celtic, he added: "It's been okay. "The last couple of games have been good and I've enjoyed it. We won the cup and then had another exciting game against Dundee United at the weekend. "I'm fit and available for selection so we will see what the manager does." Hartley is well aware that Holland - top of Group Nine with a 100% record so far - will be firm favourites but refused to rule out a shock result. He said: "They are strong all over the pitch, they have excellent midfielders and forwards. I don't think you can look at one player in particular. "On their day, they are as good as anyone. "But we have to go there and try to make it difficult for them and take the game to them. "We know that for long spells of the match they will have possession but it's how we play when we have the ball. "If we get a chance, we have to take it."

Source: Team_Talk