Burley rues missing players as Scots fall to friendly defeat

GEORGE Burley slumped to his first defeat as Scotland manager and admitted he needs his best players at his disposal.

But the national coach declared last night's friendly against the Czech Republic in Prague, as a worthwhile exercise.

Burley had seven call-offs ahead of his debut against Croatia in March and suffered another six ahead of this game.

Key players like James McFadden and Alan Hutton withdrew through injury, along with Hibernian's Steven Fletcher and Rangers trio Kris Boyd, Steven Whittaker and Kevin Thomson.

Others, like skipper Barry Ferguson, were absent from the squad named by Burley as he was forced to take into account injury and fatigue.

Burley said: For any nation, you want your best players available and hopefully come the World Cup qualifiers we will have them available.

But who knows? You can get injuries so you need a squad and competition and that showed today. Young players got experience and that can only be good.'' Motherwell's David Clarkson marked his debut with a goal but a double from Libor Sionko and a Michal Kadlec strike sealed the win for the home side.

Sometimes in defeat you learn more,'' Burley insisted.

We needed to be tested. Our first two World Cup qualifiers are away from home and the temperature in Macedonia will be similar to today.

In this situation you are looking to build. We knew we were taking on a game that wouldn't be easy and we were aware of the Czech Republic's record. It was a case of getting some sort of system, giving players an opportunity and they gave it all they've got."

The Scotland boss also singled out Clarkson for praise.

The striker has had a rollercoaster season, with saw him suffer the loss of his uncle - and Motherwell skipper - Phil O'- Donnell before helping the Steelmen secure a third place finish in the SPL.

Burley said: I'm pleased for David. It's all about taking your opportunities.

We were inundated with calloffs but it was an opportunity for others to impress and David will be pleased at scoring a cracking goal.''