Thursday, April 02, 2009

Burley's big decision pays off

If the result is the "only thing that matters", as everyone agreed was the case prior to the Iceland game, then there is no point moaning about the performance. Scotland won 2-1, and while they will need to improve if they are still to get to the World Cup next summer, at least that is still a possibility. Anything other than a victory on Wednesday would have been a disaster.

Scotland rode their luck at times, but every team needs luck on their side - something that George Burley has seemed to lack so far in the job. Having dropped Bazza and Alan MacGregor for going drinking after the Holland game - and got away with it - hopefully the manager will now feel vindicated, and exude more confidence next time out.

Dropping the two Rangers players was the correct decision from a discipline point of view, but it was also the correct footballing decision as well. Craig Gordon is clearly a better keeper than MacGregor, whether playing for his club or not, while dropping Bazza is a decision that should have been made years ago.