Bristol City defender McAllister pleads for Scotland chance

Jamie McAllister has urged George Burley to give him the chance to help take Scotland a step closer to the World Cup by throwing him into their crucial qualifier against Holland.

The Bristol City full-back was forced to look on from the sidelines as Burley's men steered their qualification campaign back on track with a 2-0 win over Macedonia on Saturday.

Second place and a potential play-off spot is now up for grabs if Scotland can produce the goods against Group Nine winners Holland, who arrive at Hampden tonight boasting a 100 per cent record.

McAllister is desperate to be involved but faces competition for the vacant left-back berth from Steven Whittaker, who impressed after replacing the injured Callum Davidson at the weekend.

He said: "The support and the atmosphere on Saturday was unbelievable. When the second goal went in, the noise was incredible.

"Hopefully I get my chance on the pitch and can relish it.

"I'm always hoping I get my chance and there have been a lot of boys in and out of the squad.

"It's up to the manager. I'm always itching to play.

"But it's the result that counts and hopefully whoever is on the park tonight does the job and gets the three points.

"That's why you play the game, you want to play against the best in the world.

"The boys did great on Saturday, it was a massive three points, and sets us up nicely for the Holland game."

Burley has somehow managed to keep Scotland's hopes alive despite what has been a turbulent campaign for the manager, who replaced Alex McLeish at the helm in January 2008.

"It's been difficult for him," admitted McAllister.

"But I think he has handled it very well and he got his reward with the result on Saturday which proved that we can make it.

"He had a full nation behind him and it was a great performance in the second half.

"You've got to expect the lows with the highs I suppose, but if we qualify, he will be a hero.

"In-house, we always kept believing we had a strong enough team to qualify from the group.

"Although a lot has gone on around us we have to be strong within ourselves and as a squad and believe we can qualify."

Burley has been singled out for much of the criticism, particularly in the wake of last month's 4-0 thrashing in Norway.

"I think it's been unfair at times," said McAllister.

"But in the game you get criticised if you don't perform and get the results needed.

"You've got to accept that and take it on the chin and move forward. I think the gaffer has done that.

"If we qualify, it will all be forgotten and he will be held in high regard.

"As a squad, we have always believed in him and he has believed in us.

"We go forward into tonight's game with a positive attitude."

Burley is sweating over the fitness of his number one keeper, as Sunderland's Craig Gordon is struggling with a thigh strain.

Norwich's David Marshall, who has conceded 11 goals in his three games for Scotland to date, would come in to the side again.

On a more positive note, the Scotland boss confirmed that Celtic midfielder Scott Brown, who scored his first goal in dark blue against the Macedonians, has shrugged off an ankle injury.

Burley is wrestling with the dilemma of what to do with Gary Caldwell, who returns after suspension.

Veteran Rangers stopper David Weir, now 39, was drafted in to the squad for the Macedonia game, and Caldwell's Hoops' team-mate Stephen McManus played his first competitive game of the season.

Burley will have to decide whether to drop either Weir or McManus, or accommodate Caldwell in a holding midfield role.