BURLEY SHAKES IT UP; McGregor set to be dropped.

Byline: KENNY ROSS

SCOTLAND manager George Burley last night hinted that several of his biggest stars could be axed for tonight's World Cup crunch.

Burley is poised to make as many as five changes to his starting line-up for the do-or-die Group 9 showdown with Iceland, with keeper Allan McGregor (left) a leading candidate for the chop.

The manager also refused to confirm there will be starting places for captain Barry Ferguson or Manchester United's Darren Fletcher.

In an extraordinary press conference Burley appeared to pin the blame for Holland's second goal in Saturday night's 3-0 defeat squarely on the shoulders of McGregor.

And, when asked if he was facing a straight choice between Ferguson and Fletcher for a slot in a four man midfield, Burley answered by saying: "Every position is under consideration."

To add to the intrigue Ferguson - who was scheduled to face the media along side his manager at Dumbarton's Strathclyde Holmes Stadium - rushed away from training with SFA spokesman Rob Shorthouse claiming the captain had to be at another 'appointment'.

Celtic defender Gary Caldwell was, instead, wheeled out as a last minute replacement to answer questions.

Burley, meanwhile, was making his own intentions clear and vowing to do things his way for a match which is likely to determine his very future as Scotland boss - even if it means dropping some of the biggest names in his squad.

Burley said: "It's a massive game - it's a sort of cup final. I have to make bold decisions. I have to be positive. I can't be negative at all. It's one game and we've got to go for it. "I will speak to my staff but it will totally be my decision. I've got to do what I think is best for the country, not be cautious and play a one off team to win this match.

"Iceland will play their socks off but if we are at our best we will win the match. It's a massive game because we need three points."

"As a manager you can't please everybody. That is not my job. I will pick the team for my country with no inhibitions and without thinking about individuals. It's a one off game and we have to go for it."

CAPTION(S):

MAKING CHANGES George Burley yesterday MISSING? Barry Ferguson