George Burley says that latest round of withdrawals from his Scotland squad will have no effect on how his side will play in their World Cup qualifier against Macedonia in Skopje on Saturday.

Injuries have decimated Scotland squads ahead of Burley's first three friendly games in charge and ahead of the double-header against Macedonia and Iceland, the former Hearts manager was again forced to call players in due to injury.

In addition to long-term absentees Barry Ferguson and Alan Hutton, Burley has also lost Garry O'Connor, David Weir, David Marshall, Callum Davidson, Kevin McNaughton and Kevin Thomson. Replacements Jamie Langfield, Kirk Broadfoot and Michael Stewart should replenish a Scotland squad looking for a strong start as they hope to qualify for their first major tournament in ten years.

Despite the injuries to his squad, Burley remained upbeat. "We have a squad of 22 and we are raring to go," he said. "We have eight games to qualify so nothing changes.

"Our tactics would have been the same no matter who was in the squad. Personnel will be different but as far as our manner and style of play, that hasn't changed at all.

“You always keep your fingers crossed that all your key players will be fit. We had two injured before we named the squad but that is something that you have to take on the chin. That's why it is so important to have a squad of players and play friendlies.

"Macedonia are at home and will be looking for three points. We know how they are going to play, they have a structure that they haven't changed in two or three years. But we are looking for a solid start. The game lasts 90 minutes and we will be hard to beat."

Burley has demanded a minimum of 17 points from his side during their Group 9 campaign. That puts pressure on his players to deliver at least four points from their opening two matches, on paper, the easiest of Scotland's four away fixtures.