Burley relishing Scotland bow despite lack of numbers

Seven players - including four from Rangers and one from Celtic - have withdrawn from Wednesday's international friendly against Croatia at Hampden Park.

The weekend began badly for Burley - when he learned that James McFadden would be unavailable after undergoing keyhole surgery on a knee problem - and it has since got steadily worse.

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Sidelined: McFadden, scoring against Ukraine last year, is out of the Croatia clash

Captain Barry Ferguson pulled out after seeing a specialist in England with an ankle complaint last week - and has been joined on the sidelines by Rangers club-mates Lee McCulloch (thigh), Christian Dailly (broken toe) and Allan McGregor (knee).

Derby's Stephen Pearson was also forced to withdraw with a hernia problem, and Barry Robson completed the list today with a knee injury sustained against Gretna.

Cardiff midfielder Gavin Rae has been added to the squad, while Manchester United's Darren Fletcher has recovered from a virus.

Despite now having limited resources, Burley said: "We're looking for a good performance - and, if we perform well, we hope we get the right result.

"Croatia are an excellent side - there is no doubt about that - and they are ranked one of the highest in the world. It will be a tough game.

"We hope we can get a win, but the performance is key to me. We had a good training session this morning and we worked on defensive and attacking options - and we will do the same again on Tuesday.

"It's about getting a feel of the squad and having a look at it and really all working together to get it right for September.

"That has always been the key. We are talking only two more games after this game on Wednesday to prepare for Macedonia in September."

Fighting fit: Fletcher

Burley does not believe the withdrawals have anything to do with next weekend's Old Firm derby at Ibrox.

"It wouldn't have been any different," he said.

"All the players here were desperate to play for their country - individually they want to play for Scotland.

"They all reported, but the medical people looked at them and they weren't fit. Unfortunately, it's as simple as that.

"I think Walter Smith and Gordon Strachan appreciate it's very important for the national team that these players are available - and they have made them available."

Lack of players is not all Burley has to worry about.

Hampden is set to be around half full on Wednesday - and he admits the Scottish Football Association may consider reducing ticket prices for the next home friendly against Northern Ireland on August 20 along with an away fixture against the Czech Republic on May 30.

"With friendlies, it's always difficult to fill the stadium - there is no doubt about that," he said.

"It's been a busy time for supporters in Scotland with so many games, but there is still going to be a very healthy crowd. If you look at it, Scotland support for friendlies is as high up the list as any nation."

Meanwhile, coach Terry Butcher concurred with Burley that the Old Firm fixture has played no part in the midweek withdrawals.

"All the players that are not going to be available are absolutely gutted that they are not going to be in the squad and playing at Hampden," said Butcher.

"They desperately want to play for their country and it's not a case of a game looming on the horizon on Saturday.

"Everyone wants to be playing in this match. It's a great game to play in, because Croatia are a very good side and they pass the ball well.

"They've got a good squad, and it's going to be a tough test for us. But it's a test that everyone is looking forward to.

"The spirit of the team and the players that are left here has been terrific. I've been very impressed by them, and it's nice to work with some real quality players - even though some quality players will be missing."