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Interview: Scotland manager George Burley

Scotland manager George Burley says Shaun Maloney has played himself into contention for next month's World Cup qualifying double-header.

The striker had a hand in all three goals in Celtic's 3-0 win over Falkirk following his return to Parkhead from an unsuccessful stint at Aston Villa.

"I was at the game and Shaun was excellent so he certainly comes back into my thoughts," Burley said.

"It looks as if he has had a new lease of life."

Scotland kick-off their qualification campaign in Macedonia on 6 September and take on Iceland away four days later.

Maloney, who left for Villa in January 2007, became a Celtic player for the second time on Friday and his impact the following day after coming on as a first-half substitute for Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink was instant.

He immediately won the free-kick that led to Stephen McManus scoring Celtic's opener and then laid on two goals for striker Georgios Samaras.

"I am going to announce the squad on Wednesday and he comes into consideration." Scotland manager George Burley

Maloney was omitted from the Scotland squad for last week's friendly against Northern Ireland, which appeared to throw some doubt on his place for next month's matches.

However, the former Hearts and Ipswich boss insists Maloney is back in his thoughts.

"I didn't forgot about Shaun, the problem was he wasn't playing at Aston Villa," said Burley.

"He's back playing, which is the important thing, because if you are not playing then it is very difficult to maintain sharpness, but he certainly looked sharp on Saturday.

"I am going to announce the squad on Wednesday and he comes into consideration."

Despite Scotland failing to win any of their three friendly matches under his charge, Burley remains confident of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

"We have had three good work-outs, where we have learned a lot - now the World Cup qualifiers start," Burley said.

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"The biggest problem is getting my full team out, but nevertheless we had some good workouts and that will stand us in good stead for the qualifiers.

"We are not inundated with world-class players, a lot of our key players have been missing and that's been our biggest headache.

"We haven't qualified for a major tournament for 10 years and people talk about friendlies, but we haven't won a friendly at Hampden in 12 years, so it was always going to be difficult.

"But I feel we have a good squad of players and we will give it our best shot."