Burley says Scotland should fear no team in their group

Manager George Burley is aiming for 17 points as the minimum necessary for Scotland to qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

Burley will name his squad on Tuesday for this month's Hampden friendly against Northern Ireland.

"We are going to be looking for at least 17 points if we are going to qualify," he told www.tennents.com.

"Hopefully, if we all work together, we can make this vision happen and take the country to South Africa."

Burley believes that is a possibility and that next Wednesday's game against Northern Ireland will be a significant part of his team's build-up ahead of their opening game in European Qualifying Group 9 on 6 September.

"With Northern Ireland, you have one eye on Macedonia - what's your starting line-up?" he said.

We have got to get our own game going - our strength, our teamwork, our passion, our belief and our never-say-die attitude Scotland manager George Burley

"It's going to be an important game. Hopefully, they can show the form they showed in previous games and take that on."

While optimistic, Burley believes that the trip to Macedonia will be a difficult one.

"It is going to be a tough game," he said. "They showed against England, when they drew at Old Trafford 0-0, that they are an excellent international side.

"But we have got to get our own game going - our strength, our teamwork, our passion, our belief and our never-say-die attitude.

"If we can keep that going, we will be a very difficult team to beat."

Burley concedes that the Netherlands will start as favourites in a group which also includes Iceland and Norway.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your reaction to George Burley's World Cup ambitions

"Their all-round ability, their squad and their team play is fantastic," said the Scotland boss.

"But you don't win games on paper. Just because you are favourites, does not mean you will win and we will not fear anybody."

Meanwhile, Hibernian forward Dean Shiels has returned to the Northern Ireland squad for the first time in 18 months.

Motherwell defender Stephen Craigan and Cardiff City striker Warren Feeney, who has started a season-long loan with Dundee United, Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty and Fulham midfielder Steve Davis, who was on loan at Ibrox last season, are also available for selection against Scotland.