George Burley has billed Scotland's midweek meeting with Iceland as being 'like a cup final'.
Watch Scotland v Iceland live on Sky Sports 2 & HD 2 this Wednesday
George Burley has billed Scotland's midweek meeting with Iceland as being 'like a cup final'.
With a lacklustre 3-0 defeat to Holland on Saturday leaving Burley's side with just four points from their first four 2010 World Cup qualifiers, their next outing has taken on added importance.
Three points are vital if the Scots are to have any ambitions of reaching a first major international tournament since 1998.
Burley realises this, but insists his side are ready for the challenge which awaits them at Hampden Park on Wednesday.
"There are a lot of decisions to be made. I need to treat it like a cup final," he said.
"It's a game we need to win and a game where we are looking for the three points. It's one where I have to back my own judgment. I'll speak to the staff as well, not worry about other factors, and pick the team I think is best to win on Wednesday.
"It's a must-win game, for the country, for the team. We have to look at it very carefully. It's not a game to be cautious. It's a game where we have to be really positive because three points would be so important to us.
"When you look at the group, three points is very important. If we're going to finish in the top two, it's a game we need to win. But your home games are the ones you are looking to win anyway.
"We know Iceland. They are a good side and they work hard. It won't be easy but if we get it right I feel we can win the match."
Injuries
Scotland's preparations have been dogged by issues regarding the fitness of key personnel, with question marks still hanging over Chris Iwelumo and Stephen McManus.
However, Burley insists he has enough quality at his disposal to cope with any problems which may arise.
"Chris has got a slight thigh strain. He has trained today and we will assess it again tomorrow," he said.
"It's very much 50-50. He's not 100 per cent at the moment but we will look at it again tomorrow morning.
"Everybody in the squad is in line for a start. I will name the team tomorrow. There are a lot of big decisions which have to be made.
"Stephen has trained for the last two days. He had a slight reaction yesterday, but he has trained again today and he is a lot happier with it. It's one we have to consider.
"Christophe Berra did very well. Stephen is a great competitor and experienced at international level, but I'll speak to him and then decide.
Burley added: "Unfortunately Graham Alexander was feeling his hamstring today, so I think we can rule him out for tomorrow."
