Scotland football boss George Burley is not fazed by three friendly games without a win as he prepares for the crucial 2010 World Cup qualifying double-header against Macedonia and Iceland next month.

Scotland football boss George Burley is not fazed by three friendly games without a win as he prepares for the crucial 2010 World Cup qualifying double-header against Macedonia and Iceland next month.

The Scots go in to the games with a loss to the Czech Republic sandwiched by draws against Croatia and Northern Ireland.

But Burley, speaking at the opening of Falkirk's new Football Centre at Stirling University - named after youth player Craig Gowans who died when he was electrocuted at the club's former training ground in July 2005 - remains cautious but confident of guiding Scotland to their first major finals since the 1998 World Cup in France.

"We haven't qualified for a major tournament for 10 years and people talk about friendlies, but we haven't won a friendly at Hampden in 12 years so it was always going to be difficult," he said.

"But I feel we have a good squad of players. We have had three good work-outs, where we have learned a lot. Now the World Cup qualifiers start.

"The biggest problem is getting my full team out but nevertheless we had some good workouts and that will stand us in good stead for the qualifiers.

"We are not inundated with world-class players, a lot of our key players have been missing and that's been our biggest headache. But we will give it our best shot."

One player set to return is Celtic striker Shaun Maloney who caught the eye with his performance against Falkirk on Saturday.

Maloney, who left Parkhead for Aston Villa in January 2007, became a Celtic player for the second time last Friday and his impact the following day after coming on a as a first-half substitute for Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink was instant.

He immediately won the free-kick which led to Stephen McManus scoring Celtic's opener, and then laid on two goals for striker Georgios Samaras.

Maloney was omitted from the Scotland squad for last week's friendly against Northern Ireland, which appeared to throw some doubt on his place for next month's double-header.

However, the former Hearts and Ipswich boss insists Maloney is back in his thoughts.

"I didn't forget about Shaun, the problem was he wasn't playing at Aston Villa," Burley said.

"I was at the game on Saturday and Shaun was excellent so he certainly comes back into my thoughts. It looks as if he has a new lease of life.

"He's back playing which is the important thing because if you are not playing then it is very difficult to maintain sharpness, but he certainly looked sharp on Saturday.

"I am going to announce the squad on Wednesday and he comes into consideration."