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Burley vows to cope without stars

Sun 30 Mar, 11:45 AM


Scotland boss George Burley expects to field another under-strength side in his second game in charge against the Czech Republic in May.Burley had to cope without five injured Old Firm stars for Wednesday's friendly against Croatia at Hampden.

For his second friendly match in charge, Burley may have to manage without Scotland's Celtic contingent who are likely to be on a club trip to Japan.

The Scots will face the Czechs in Prague on May 30, in the week after the Scottish Cup final, when clubs and players not involved in Euro 2008 are beginning their summer breaks.

Burley said: "The trouble is, the one in Prague is not an international date and I know for a fact Celtic have got contractual commitments to go abroad.

"I felt with the World Cup (qualifiers) coming up so quickly it would still be a good idea to play at the end of May.

"It will give other players an opportunity to play against another top European side."

The former Ipswich and Hearts manager has brought in former Motherwell boss Tommy McLean to analyse match performances from a seat in the stand.

Burley said: "It's always good to have somebody up there and maybe come down at half-time and have views."

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