Burley relishing World Cup challenge

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Burley admitted his appointment had come as a surprise even to him, after signing a contract to lead his country until 2012.

"As a Scotsman you would have a vision to do well for your country," he said. "It gives me the opportunity to try to get to the World Cup finals as a manager. There's tingles going through me with excitement."

The final details of his contract were ratified on Thursday after the SFA agreed an undisclosed compensation package with Southampton to release their boss.

The former Ayr, Ipswich, Derby and Hearts manager emerged as the governing body's choice after competing against Mark McGhee, Graeme Souness and Tommy Burns in an interview process.

Burley added: "I never thought it would have happened, there were so many excellent candidates with huge experience. I was surprised to get the job but maybe they have seen something that will help Scotland. I can only be myself, I'm passionate about football and I think that's the credential of Scottish managers."

Burley appeared to give his word that he would remain in the post until at least the end of the upcoming World Cup campaign, where Scotland face Holland, Macedonia, Iceland and Norway in qualifying.

And Burley is confident he and the players can realise his dream of going to their first major tournament since 1998.

"What Scotland have done in the last couple of years is exciting for everybody in Scotland," the 51-year-old said.

"They did really well and it shows you it's possible. I believe we can qualify, we are in a tough group but it's certainly possible. The key is to keep improving - in football you can't stand still. We have got to look to get better."