George Burley has challenged Scotland's fringe players to stake claims for permanent places in the side when they face Croatia on Wednesday.Burley has just 20 fit players to choose from for the clash at Hampden after seeing his squad decimated by withdrawals ahead of his first game as national team coach.

Rangers quartet Barry Ferguson, Lee McCulloch, Christian Dailly and Allan McGregor have all pulled out through injury, with Celtic's Barry Robson completing the list of absentees from the Old Firm.

Birmingham's James McFadden and Stephen Pearson of Derby are also unavailable for selection but Burley would rather focus on those players who are in contention for his first team selection.

"The players here are very keyed up for the game and they are proud and honoured to be selected in the squad," he said.

"The ones who start in that line-up will be very honoured to play for their country and I'm sure that's the only thing they are thinking about at the moment.

"The call-offs are gone so I'm not even thinking about that. We are working with 20 players who are all desperate to play and that's the most important thing.

"The shape revolves around them and that's where we go from here. The players who are here are desperate to do well for their country, both individually and as a team.

"They want to get involved in the squad on a regular basis for the World Cup qualifiers over the next two years.

"It doesn't mean that we don't have a strong squad because we have had call-offs."

Burley knows he has big boots to fill following the successful tenures of both Walter Smith and Alex McLeish and confesses to a few butterflies in the build-up to the match.

He said: "You need nerves and that's what makes it exciting. If you go into a game and you're not nervous, then you're not keyed up for it.

"It is my first game as Scotland manager and it doesn't get any better than managing your own country.

"There will be nerves but there will be excitement as well. I'll be very proud to lead the team out.

"I want to do well and it has been great working with the squad. There is a great spirit there. I have to blend a squad good enough to try to qualify for the World Cup and that's what it's all about.

"The attitude has been superb and I think that has shown in the last few years with the national team. That's something we've got to enhance and keep developing."

Scotland last won a friendly at Hampden against Australia back in March 1996 and Burley would love to see that unwanted record come to an end against Croatia.

But, with just two more friendlies, against the Czech Republic and Northern Ireland, before the World Cup qualifying campaign begins in earnest, he believes the performance will be more important than the result.

He said: "We've got pride, we're at Hampden and I think Scotland has shown over the last few years that we don't fear anybody at Hampden.

"We will be trying to win the game against one of the top teams in Europe. It's going to be a big test but the boys are confident and they will be positive.

"We will start on the front foot and do our best to put them under pressure and win the game. It would be nice to win the game but the performance will be key."

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