Burley upbeat despite Scots’ Oslo nightmare

GEORGE BURLEY believes a place in next summer’s World Cup finals is still possible despite Scotland’s 4-0 thrashing by Norway which leaves them needing to win their final two Group Nine games if they are to have any hope of a play-off spot.

The nightmare at the Ullevaal Stadium began for Burley began when defender Gary Caldwell was sent off after picking up two yellow cards within a minute in the first half, the second of which allowed John Arne Riise to fire in the opener from the resultant free-kick.

A double from Morten Gamst Pedersen and a strike by Erik Huseklepp dropped a beleaguered Scotland side to third on goal difference and with just games against second-placed Macedonia and group winners Holland remaining to add to their seven points.