SCOTS DRAW A BLANK IN
PRE WORLD CUP WARM UP

This has become a so familiar sight for Scotland fans over the years, with the national side struggling to dominate a side on their home soil.

In fact Scotland has not won a friendly at home since 1996, but thankfully the form has not always replicated on to the main competitive stage, with the exception of the Berti Vogts era of course!

With more national teams fighting for elusive spots in World and European championships, it is important that the formation and the tactics are right.

When it comes to friendlies, at international or preseason club matches, the performance is usually more important than the results. If they get a victory - even better!

They tell a manager more about his team and that they are prepared to fight tooth and nail for the cause when the main battles commence

But with club commitments the priority the opportunities are not always there for a manager to try out new formations and ideas.

And this week, it was last chance saloon for the Scot's Boss George Burley to get his formation and team tactics in place ahead of their opening World Cup qualifier, when the national side welcomes Northern Ireland to the National Stadium.

From a spectator's point of view, it was at times not the most comfortable viewing as the Scots were fortunate to come away a scoreless draw against Nigel Worthington's men.

Despite seeing Ryan McGivern's international debut marred by picking up two yellow cards, the almost pulled of a deserved victory when David Healy failed to convert from the penalty spot due to a top class save from Alan McGregor.

But George Burley was still reasonably contented after the match, which saw solid international starts for Kevin Thomson, Darren Barr, James Morrison and Kris Commons .

The penalty save from Alan McGregor showed that since the days of Leighton and Goram , Scotland now have some serious competition for the No 1 Jersey.

There may be some questions about the striking partnership of James McFadden and Kenny Miller, who both put in workman like performances but struggled to make an impact in front of goal.

But a lot of the problem was more due to the performance of the Scotland mid field who were minus starters, Berry Ferguson and Paul Hartley.

And from a footballing spectacle, the typical British game did not come alive until the 28 th minute with the first corner of the game.

The ball came back to McFadden, who did well to hold onto possession but was quickly shut down a few yards from the goal line.

As the final minutes of the half progressed, it continued to be a frustrating afternoon for the Scotland strikers who were being starved for decent service from the midfield on the flanks.

Desperation appeared to creep into the Scottish player as half time approached, with McFadden trying to take on the responsibility himself.

Despite the odd flashes of brilliance, the hero of Paris , was a marked man and was often surrounded by two or three players whenever he touched the ball.

And some times, he managed to find a way through them - unfortunately he could not finish the move off with a goal.

By half time, Burley rang the changes with Darren Barr, Barry Robson running out to field at the start of the second half.

And things started to look more positive in 52 minutes when the Celtic midfielder's long range shot dipped over the cross bar.

Minutes later, Kenny Miller showed some great skill laying the ball off to Scott Brown at full speed down the far side but was bundled over by Ryan McGivern, who picked up his second yellow card and was given his marching orders by the Referee.

Despite capitalising on the extra man advantage, the Scots soon found themselves in trouble when Warren Feeny was brought down inside the box by substitute goalkeeper, Alan McGregor.

But the Rangers shot stopper more than made amends for his mistake, when he pulled off a terrific diving save from Healy's well struck penalty kick.

The Irish continued to sit back, packing their penalty box, allowing the Scots to charge forward, hoping to hit them on the break once again.

Scotland however almost made the breakthrough when Darren Barr, got on to the end of a Robson cross with a neat head flick, sending the ball just wide of the post.

Frustration continued to creep in to the Scots play as they tried to penetrate a tightly packed Irish penalty box and came close in the dying minutes when McFadden showed some great control inside the box with forcing Mark Taylor to pull off an excellent reaction save.