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Burley hits back at Boyd quit decision

13/10/2008

Scotland manager George Burley has hit back at Kris Boyd's decision not to play for the country again under his stewardship.

Rangers striker Boyd announced over the weekend that he was unhappy at being left on the bench during Scotland's 0-0 draw against Norway at Hampden Park.

Speaking at a press conference today, Burley said: "I only want people who are totally committed.

"You have got to show that passion and if you don't want to show it and you want to step out, fine."

Boyd has played just 28 minutes in the six games Burley has been in charge of the national team and on Saturday was left on the bench in favour of Chris Iwelumo and Steven Flether, who prior to the weekend, had just one cap between them.

"Reputations are in the past. I choose a squad, I look at them play, I look at their attributes, I look at how they show up in training, which is very important, and I look at combinations," Burley added.

"It worked very well. I'm not going to please everybody but the tactics worked. Kris is disappointed not to play but this is your country you're talking about.

"I've never had a cross word with Kris. They come in, stay at five-star hotels, in this day and age they have massive wages.

"How much do you care? You don't need to like everybody. This is your country.

"Okay, he didn't get on but the only way Kris Boyd is going to get in the team is by playing regularly, showing what he can do, coming to the squad and looking lively and bright and look better than the other strikers. That's how you get in the team."