Burley makes a solid start.

STEPHEN McMANUS is glad he was not among the Old Firm stars who withdrewfrom the Scotland squad before last night's 1-1 draw with Croatia at Hampden Park.

The lead-up to George Burley's first game in charge of the national side was dominated by seven call-offs, including the Rangers quartet of Barry Ferguson, Christian Dailly, Lee McCulloch and Allan McGregor and Celtic midfielder Barry Robson.

All five of those players are expected to be available for Saturday's Old Firm derby at Ibrox.

In Ferguson's absence, Celtic captain McManus was handed the armband for the game, in which Niko Kranjcar's 10th-minute opener was cancelled out by Kenny Miller on the half-hour mark.

McManus, 25, said: "I would have missed out on a big opportunity for myself so I am pleased to have played in the game.

"It was one of the highlights of my career.

"It was a good game to play in and I think a draw was probably a fair result.

"We had a few chances and could maybe have sneaked it, but they are a very good side."