Burley bemoans McFadden suspension

George Burley admits the suspension of James McFadden for Wednesday's crunch World Cup qualifier against Holland at Hampden is a "massive blow".

After Scott Brown opened the scoring against Macedonia before McFadden sealed the win with a fine solo effort, but the Birmingham striker also picked up a yellow card - his second of the campaign - which will keep him out for the visit of the Group Nine winners.

"Losing James is a massive blow," he said. "I thought at times in the second half he was unbelievable. I didn't realise he was booked. I don't know if it was mistaken identity but seemingly there is no procedure to appeal a yellow card so there is nothing we can do."

Burley, who revealed left-back Callum Davidson is out with a hamstring injury he picked up early in the first half, has to leave out McFadden from his plans for the visit of the all-star Dutch side.

He added: "And James showed his commitment to the country even though he knew that he wasn't going to be playing against Holland, and he will be cheering the loudest on Wednesday night.

"But we have other players and all three substitutes who came on - Steven Whittaker, Shaun Maloney and Paul Hartley - all did well."

McFadden picked up his booking seconds before the interval in a melee after Brown became involved with a clutch of Macedonia players who were unhappy that he had participated in a drop ball - and won a corner - instead of giving the ball back to the visitors.

However, a puzzled Burley said: "I think Scott wanted to kick it back to the keeper but the referee wanted a bounce ball. And with a bounce ball you try to win it so I don't see where there is a problem."

Burley is adamant that Scotland will be going all out for victory against the Dutch.

"We are looking to win the game, as simple as that," he said. "We have a belief that we can take the three points, even though we know that Holland are a fantastic team."