Scotland manager Burley told not to interfere

Mar 7 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

RICKY Sbragia has criticised Scotland manager George Burley for trying to meddle in Sunderland’s affairs regarding Craig Gordon’s demotion from first-choice goalkeeper.

Former Black Cats full-back Burley has publicly expressed his concern at Gordon’s plight at the Stadium of Light and has also spoken privately to the £9.5m signing from Hearts about his situation, claiming his national position is under threat because of a lack of first-team football. Cats manager Sbragia is aware Burley’s concerns will put pressure on Gordon to either agitate for a recall or a summer transfer – and he warned his fellow Scot not to interfere in the selection of his players.

“It isn’t very helpful for me as Sunderland manager when he says things like that,” said Sbragia. “I don’t think George should be telling me I should be playing Craig to help Scotland.

“If he doesn’t want to play Craig against Holland then he shouldn’t pick him. But he’s the best keeper in Scotland.

“I can understand where George is coming from. He has that decision: does he play him or not, but I think he will. I’ll be surprised if he drops him. Maybe he’s trying to put pressure on me to play him, but I don’t tell him who to put in his team.”

Gordon’s replacement as first choice goalkeeper, Márton Fülöp, was at fault for Liverpool’s second goal in the 2-0 defeat at Anfield in midweek, but there has been no indication the Hungarian’s place is under threat against Tottenham today.

Sbragia said: “He knows what he has done and he doesn’t need me to ram it down his throat. I don’t think Márton would take too kindly to me saying I’m going to drop you because I need Craig to play against Holland.”