Broadfoot remains positive about abilities of Burley

Scotland full-back throws weight behind manager and denies rumours of unrest

The Scotland full-back Kirk Broadfoot insists he is fully behind his manager George Burley, despite Rangers team-mate Kris Boyd's self-imposed international exile.

Boyd's decision to quit Scotland while Burley is manager has fuelled speculation of unrest behind the scenes. Boyd insisted the move was not personal – just an acceptance that Burley does not rate him after giving him 28 minutes of action in six games.

The 25-year-old's decision was strongly criticised by Burley, who last month lost another Rangers player, Lee McCulloch. McCulloch, 30, quit international football for family reasons and to concentrate on his club career.

Much was made of Burley's comment before Broadfoot's goalscoring debut in Iceland last month that the former St Mirren player had made good use of his "limited ability". But the defender insists his working relationship with the Scotland manager is fine.

"I was happy playing under George Burley, and I don't see any personal thing between me and him," Broadfoot said. "I'm happy with him and he is happy with me, so long may things continue like that. But going back to that phrase, I think it was more of a compliment in the end.

"You can write and say what you want but as long as I believe in my ability as a player and my manager believes in me, that's what matters."

Broadfoot made his home debut in Saturday's goalless draw with Norway but his right-back slot will be under threat from Alan Hutton, who is hoping to return from a broken foot for Tottenham in the coming weeks.

Broadfoot, 24, is determined to stay to fight for his place. "Once we get Barry (Ferguson) back, and Alan, I think it will help the squad," he said. "They are very, very good players. Who knows what the manager will pick but he will have more options, so hopefully we can get the wins we need.

"Hopefully I did enough to keep my place. If not, I will be disappointed but I'll be pushing hard to try to get back in the team. I would be disappointed not to play, but these things happen in football. It's a manager's decision."

Broadfoot was reluctant to comment on the decision of Boyd, who he travels to training with each day, but it was clear he would not follow suit.

He said: "I don't think it matters what manager it is, to play for your country is always an honour, but that's Kris Boyd's personal decision. As a football club, and as a friend of Kris Boyd, I'll back him, but it's a personal thing."

Meanwhile, Broadfoot insists Scotland still have a chance to qualify for the World Cup – even as group winners. Most Scots would grab hold of a play-off spot if offered now but Broadfoot maintains the ultimate optimism.

Speaking before the Dutch played Norway in Oslo last night, he said: "We are still in it and fighting to try and qualify. Obviously, Holland are favourites but as long as we go out and win the rest of our games, I think we have a chance to qualify.

"I think we can still try to win the group. If we win the rest of our games, I don't see why we can't." But he added: "It's going to be a difficult task, there is no getting away from that. "Holland are such a good side with such good players – they will be difficult to beat."