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10:55:39 AM
Performance is key, says Burley
George Burley is hoping Wednesday's match against Croatia can help go a long way to help prepare for the first World Cup qualifier in September.

The Scotland boss has two more games before taking on Macedonia and feels Croatia will provide a stern test.

"Croatia are an excellent side and one of the world's top-ranked nations," said Burley.

"It'll be a tough game, but it's about getting a feel of the squad and working to get it right for September."

Burley will fine tune his line-up with friendly matches against the Czech Republic in Prague on 30 May and Northern Ireland at Hampden Park on 20 August.

"That gives us a tough away game and then a home game before our World Cup qualifiers start against Macedonia in Skopje," he said.
Scotland's support for friendlies is among the best anywhwere

"But, on Wednesday, I'm looking for a good performance - that's always been the key - and, if we perform right, we could get a good result.

"We had a good training session on Monday where worked on defensive and attacking options and we will do the same again on Tuesday."

Burley's assistant Terry Butcher says he has been doing his homework on Slaven Bilic's men.

Croatia celebrate the victory at Wembley
Croatia are ranked 12th in the world

"I saw a DVD of them losing to Holland and beating England, so I've seen the good and the bad from Croatia," the former England captain said.

"But there's no doubt they're a quality side and very comfortable with their system."

Croatia ended England's chances of progression to the European Championships with a 3-2 victory in London in November.

"That win at Wembley was no fluke and they had other chances to add to their scoreline," Butcher added.

"They've got the confidence of going to the European Championships as well.

"But everybody's looking forward to the challenge of facing such a top team and I've been really impressed with the spirit of our squad at training."

With tickets priced at £25 for a midweek friendly fixture, there are fears that the national stadium could only be half-full for the match.

"I think for friendlies it's always difficult to fill the stadium, but I hope there'll be a good turnout," said Burley.

"If you look at it, Scotland's support for friendlies is among the best anywhere.

"We're talking about big opposition and it looks like a good game in prospect."

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