The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Glasgow

George Burley's job as Scotland coach is safe, Scottish Football Association (SFA) chief executive Gordon Smith insisted Friday ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Norway.

Scotland started off their campaign with a loss in Macedonia before winning in Iceland and Burley himself said Thursday that Norway was a must-win affair if his men are to have real hope of qualifying from Group Nine.

For Smith, "anything less than a win against Norway and our chances of qualification are doubtful."

But Smith also insisted that "it would be wrong to judge George on the strength of one match at the weekend. His position as national team manager is not under any threat at all."

However, he conceded that with Holland set to provide tough opposition in the Scots' next match early next year "a win on Saturday is crucial under those circumstances."