Scotland's squad is depleted for the Czech Republic friendly, but George Burley reckons it includes a keeper who could be the best in Europe.Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon is one of the few experienced campaigners left in the side following six withdrawals and with several regulars omitted from the original squad through injury.

At the other end, of course, will be Chelsea's Petr Cech and Burley is relishing the opportunity to see how the two compare on the night.

He said: "I know Craig from our time at Hearts and he was absolutely superb for me.

"He faces a big test at Sunderland and he's come through his first season very well. He's still maturing but already he's one of the top keepers in Europe.

"Of course, the Czechs have Petr Cech who probably is the top keeper in Europe so it will be interesting to compare the two. But, no matter how this game goes, Craig is a phenomenal keeper.

"He's the type of guy who doesn't get flustered by anything. He doesn't go into games worrying about them.

"He has bags of confidence and all the ability in the world. He's developing into a terrific player as he gets older and, over the next couple of years, I believe he can challenge Petr Cech for the title of being the top keeper in Europe."

Alan Hutton, James McFadden, Steven Whittaker, Kevin Thomson, Kris Boyd and Steven Fletcher were forced to miss the visit to Prague and Burley is hoping there will be no additions to the casualty list.

Sir Alex Ferguson was furious when Darren Fletcher suffered an injury during Burley's debut, the 1-1 draw with Croatia at Hampden in March, and the Scotland boss admitted: "I know how he (Ferguson) feels.

"I spoke to him about it after the last game. Club managers protect their own players and that is understandable.

"But Darren has come, he's desperate to play and that's what you want from your players. Unfortunately you can't avoid injuries in football. You can't change that. Touch wood we don't pick up any more over here.

"I felt bad for Darren and for Manchester United but you can't legislate for things like that."

The six withdrawals this time around were preceded by seven for the Croatia match.

But Burley said: "I don't feel let down. We have injuries and whatever but we have a squad of players who we've enjoyed working with.

"I said the same after my first game against Croatia, we have a lot of lads with big hearts who are really hungry to do well.

"When you are working with those type of lads it's enjoyable. That's why I have no fears going into the game.

"It's good to have such strong competition for places. We have players here who are trying to show they are good enough to stay in the squad. We have had a lot of injuries to deal with but that gives opportunities to others.

"The most important thing we have going for us is the spirit in the squad. It's been there for a couple of years now and it's a case of keeping the momentum going now.

"It's the manager's job to get the best out of the players who are available to him. We have an abundance of talent and the nucleus of an exciting young squad. We will try to utilise that the best way we can and put on a good performance against the Czechs.

"The call-offs may mean I have to change my game plan slightly, you can only pick a team from the personnel available to you.

"It will mean we have some players making their debuts and players who are desperate to play. When you look at the team we will have a good blend of youth and experience.

"We may have a young team but we have no fears, no worries. We will try to express ourselves and we will work our socks off. We're looking

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