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George Burley has admitted his surprise at being appointed as the new manager of Scotland.
Burley has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Scottish Football Association after a compensation package was agreed with Southampton.
The experienced manager emerged as the leading contender from a four-man shortlist which also included Mark McGhee, Graeme Souness and Tommy Burns.
And the former Ipswich and Hearts boss admitted that he was shocked to emerge from what he felt was an extremely strong pool of candidates.
Honour
Speaking at a Hampden Park press conference televised by Sky Sports News, Burley said: "It's a great honour, it's something you want to do, given the opportunity. I never thought that it would ever happen.
"When Scotland showed interest, there were so many excellent candidates with huge experience.
"To be asked to be manager of my country is a great honour, and something I'm really looking forward to.
"I think at this stage of my career after being a manager for almost 16 years now, I feel I'm ready for it. I'm very pleased the SFA have showed faith and belief in giving me the job.
"I'm really looking forward to it. I was surprised to get the job. But maybe they've (the SFA) seen something that will help Scotland.
"I feel it's the right time for me and hopefully I can be a successful Scottish manager."
Tingles
And Burley has set his sights on qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, which he admits would be his 'dream'.
He added: "As a Scotsman you've got a vision to do well for your country.
"I feel taking this job gives me the opportunity to try and do something, to try and get to a World Cup finals, and as a manager you couldn't ask for any more than that.
"There are tingles going through me with excitement thinking about it.
"Now the dream is to qualify for the World Cup. We've got a get-together in a couple of weeks and the question is can we do it for the nation?
"It's not going to be easy, but there's that belief now. I'm certainly up for the challenge.
"Hopefully, in the next couple of years there can be success by getting to the World Cup. I'm saying to everyone, let's go for it, let's give it our best shot." |
Im a bit surprised this hasnt been posted yet....
But i reckon hes a decent choice, he did really well with hearts and probably would have split the old firm if he wasnt sacked, we'll have to see though.
