Scotland Set To Reject Iran Trip, Consider England

Goal.com - Switzerland

Scotland boss George Burley doesn't believe a trip to Tehran will be viable in may, but revealed that Scotland are actively seeking two further friendlies and will consider playing England in the future...

The Tartan army, it would appear, will not be traveling to Tehran to see Scotland take on Team Melli, and pursue other options as they prepare for the World Cup qualifiers.

Scotland boss George Burley has indicated that Scotland are set to reject Iran’s friendly invitation, which would have paired the teams for the first time since in the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.

The Scottish FA were set to be mulling over the proposal from the three-time World Cup participants – ranked 39th in the FIFA rankings to Scotland’s 14th – but Burley isn’t keen on the timing of the match.

Penciled in for 28 May at the Azadi, this would give Scottish players involved in the Scottish Cup final just four days to recover and travel to Central Eurasia for the international game.

"There have been a couple of different proposals for a game in May," said Burley. "Iran have approached the SFA but the odds are very much against it.

"We have a problem in May, with the Old Firm both planning tours."

Scotland, who ran Italy and France close in their ultimately unsuccessful Euro 2008 qualification group, will play Croatia at Hampden later this month in a game that will be Burley’s international bow.

Due to weather and tragic events, fixture scheduling in Scotland has been a massive headache this season. The SFA, therefore, will have to work hard to fit in the two more friendlies desired ahead of the first competitive match - 6 September in Macedonia.

"We have very few opportunities to play games in the build-up to the World Cup qualifiers, so I would like to get something sorted for May because then the next friendly date won't be until August," added recend appointment Burley.

"I'm very pleased with the game coming up against Croatia at Hampden.

"I think that is going to be a tremendous match and great preparation but it would be nice to get another couple of games."

An imminent trip to Wembley has also been dismissed, but Burley is keen to take Fabio Capello up on his offer to take on the ‘Auld Enemy’ at a more convenient time.

"I agree with him," said Burley.

"Hopefully in the next couple of years we will be able to get a fixture and a date sorted out for that type of game.

"That certainly would be great for both countries."

Excessive government interference led to Iran being handed a short-lived international ban in late 2006. Ali Daei’s (pictured) men will face Kuwait, Syria and United Arab Emirates in the AFC Third Round of qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa.