Burley: Weir not treading water

11:20am Wednesday 20th August 2008

George Burley has told David Weir he can still make his mark in the World Cup campaign despite being left out of the Scotland manager's first three squads.

Weir won a late call-up for Wednesday night's friendly against Northern Ireland after Gary Caldwell withdrew because of a thigh injury.

"We've got to look beyond David in the next year or so, he's 38 and he's done absolutely magnificently," Burley said. "Gary Caldwell has come in with Stephen McManus and has done great. But before I announced the squad, I spoke to David and told him he was very much in my plans for the World Cup."

He added: "He's got a family down south but as soon as Gary got injured, I had no hesitation in bringing David in.

"You need more than two centre-halves and we're fortunate that David is still fit and playing for Rangers so he'll be a vital part of the squad.

"He wants to play. If he plays against Macedonia, he's in pole position for the next one and that's what competition is all about.

"Caldwell and McManus would have been playing but Gary's injured and David will be playing."