WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

NETHERLANDS V SCOTLAND
Venue: Amsterdam ArenA Date: Saturday, 28 March Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Scotland and online, live text commentary online and live commentary on BBC Radio nan Gaideal. Live on Setanta Sports 1, with highlights on Sportscene on BBC ONE Scotland at 2220 GMT. Online highlights on BBC Sport site.

The Scotland manager guided Ipswich to fifth place in the Premier League in 2001, and is also credited with revitalising Derby and Southampton.

However, he insists a World Cup qualifying win in Amsterdam would trump anything he has achieved before.

"This will be the biggest achievement of my career," said Burley. "But we believe we can do it."

Burley is also looking forward to having captain Barry Ferguson fit for the match against the Dutch.

The Scotland captain was missing for the defeat in Macedonia, victory over Iceland and a draw with Norway.

"Getting Barry back into the midfield for the first time in a World Cup game for me is essential," said Burley.

"I'm so pleased he is available as I feel that Barry, Scott Brown and Darren Fletcher can match anyone."

Scotland go into the Group 9 game with a depleted squad and trail the group favourites by five points.



But, speaking before the match, Burley insisted: "We are not daft, we are realists, they will have a lot of possession and we have to shut them down and try to impose ourselves when we can.

"If we do that, I am confident we can nick a point, maybe more."
"As far as the players are concerned, there has been no negativity at all.

"We are looking forward to it. It doesn't get any bigger than coming to Amsterdam to play a team that is top six in the world.

"It's a challenge that the players and myself are up for. We will give it our best shot and see where it takes us."

Burley also paid tribute to the Tartan Army, around 15,000 of whom have converged on Amsterdam to add their usual raucous support.

"I do value the support of the Tartan Army - they are legends," he added.

"They are great to have on your side, especially when you do not have the squad you would like because of injuries.

Can Scotland match the Netherlands in midfield?

"The Dutch people love them coming here, they are so fanatical, they support their team and they behave very well.

"Wherever they go in the world, people respect them and it's great for the players.

"A lot of them might not have tickets for the game but they have come to support their country and that's what it's all about.