DAVIE WEIR could only look on helplessly from his family home as the rails almost came off Scotland's World Cup bid.

Now, after steering George Burley's side back on track with a 2-0 win over Macedonia, the experienced defender is aiming to help his country complete a remarkable recovery by securing a play-off place for South Africa 2010.

On Wednesday night, Weir and his team-mates must find a way of defeating group winners Holland at Hampden Park. Even all three points might not be enough to secure one of the eight best runners-up places in one last bid to reach the Finals.

The damage, of course, was inflicted last month when Weir was omitted from the squad to take on Norway in Oslo. It raised eyebrows at the time and was then used against Burley when his side slumped to a 4-0 defeat.

Weir is too professional to complain about the snub. For the Rangers captain, it isn't about individuals. And he insists he is perfectly happy to represent his country as and when he is called upon.

"I was down at my family home for the Norway match," said Weir. "I have four kids to keep me occupied but I managed to watch the game. It was a disappointing result, of course, but we have now bounced back with a good victory over Macedonia.

"For me, there was no problem at not being included. I was named in the squad for the two matches against Macedonia and Holland and I'm pleased that's the case. And it's now up to the manager who plays on Wednesday night."

If leaving Weir out last month was ridiculous, it would now be suicidal in terms of our qualifications hopes if he does not start against Holland.

His performance alongside Old Firm counterpart Stephen McManus, who was making his first appearance since May, only confirmed that he is too good at his job not to be representing his country.

Yes, he might be closing in on 40 but if he can still do the job better than guys half his age then what is the problem? It will be interesting to now see if he will keep his place in the team this week with Gary Caldwell returning from suspension.

Weir, as you come to expect from the defender, didn't seem too concerned about the possible selection headache facing Burley.

He said: "I thought Stephen McManus performed very well, especially since he has been out for so long.

"He kept things simple and played to his strengths. I don't think he put a foot wrong and it was great for Scotland to have him back and performing so well in his first game since the end of last season.

"Now Gary's suspension is up. It's obviously up to the manager what team he goes for on Wednesday. We'll just have to wait and see what he feels is best for this particular game."

Holland, of course, arrive at Hampden with their place in the World Cup Finals already secured.

After defeating Japan 3-0 in a friendly fixture over the weekend, Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk slaughtered his players for their performance which is an indication of the high standards demanded by the world's third ranked team.

Weir has made it crystal clear he doesn't expect Holland to take their eye off the ball this week.

He said: "They have already qualified for the Finals. But there is no way they will be coming here not determined to win the game. That just isn't going to happen. Holland are too professional for that and you have your pride.

"Put it this way, if we were lucky enough to have already qualified and were going over to Amsterdam to play them, I'd still want to win. You want to do your best in every single game you are involved in.

"And let's not forget, they now have players trying to make sure they will be included in the squad for South Africa. So I don't envisage anything other than an extremely difficult game on Wednesday."

Scotland go into the match minus one of their top players after James McFadden was booked against Macedonia. Weir, however, believes Shaun Maloney's performance when he climbed off the bench suggests he could be an important man this week.

"I thought Shaun performed really well when he came on," said Weir. "He gave Macedonia some problems down the left and that is an option for the manager. But we have a big group of players here and there are plenty of options.

"We now know what we need to do. There will be another full house and it would be fantastic if we could win the game and secure a play-off place, but time will tell."