Burley was pleased with Scotland's performance at Hampden

Scotland boss George Burley described his side's friendly with Argentina as a "tremendous exercise" despite the 1-0 defeat at Hampden.

"We were able to use a number of players and I was very pleased with the way it went," said Burley.

"We introduced some new players and they worked very hard. Overall, I'm very pleased, it was a great workout.

"It was a tremendous exercise for us. Argentina are a fantastic team with great quality."

Maxi Rodriguez scored the game's only goal as Argentina made their superiority count in the opening stages.

"They overran us in the first 15 minutes with their movement and our midfielders couldn't get near them," added Burley.

"Once we pushed higher up the park, we did very well. We held our own and had one or two little opportunities."

Captain Barry Ferguson and defender Alan Hutton both made a return to the Scotland side having missed recent internationals due to injury.

There was also an international debut for Dundee United midfielder Scott Robertson.

"It's great to give these people opportunities," said Burley.

"It was great for Barry Ferguson to get 60 minutes. It's great to have him back and that'll do him good.

"Christophe Berra showed he's got a lot of pace at the back which was very valuable when he came on so that's very encouraging for the future."

Winger Kris Commons caused Argentina problems throughout the match, which pleased the Scotland manager.

"He (Commons) can play either side and he's got a tremendous delivery," added Burley.

"He loves taking people on and, against top quality defenders, he showed what a good player he is."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version