"It will be fantastic to see Argentina at Hampden. The presence of Diego Maradona as their Coach makes it even more special. I played against him 29 years ago. It was a terrific game. I remember Maradona's goal clearly - he appeared to run quicker with the ball at his feet than he did without it. He was surely one of the best two or three players in the world."
On the inclusion of Rangers Captain Barry Ferguson, the National Coach commented:
"He's not 100% fit yet, and hasn't started a game for Rangers - but there are two games to go."
On controversial goalkeeper Allan McGregor, Burley was at pains to stress that "He's an excellent 'keeper" but tellingly added "Craig Gordon will play this weekend."
Despite the inclusion of ex-Ranger Allan Hutton in the squad, there were encouraging words for his successor at Ibrox Kirk Broadfoot:
"Allan is a top-class full-back but Kirk has done exceptionally well."
There were also thoughts for the Ibrox men NOT listed in the squad:
"Kevin Thomson, out for the season with a knee injury, was "very much in my thoughts. I felt for the boy - I hope he makes a full recovery."
On the exclusion of David Weir: "He will be in my World Cup squad. It's a question of keeping him fresh and sharp. "
Burley also had a few comments on the scoring form of Kris Boyd, who has of course refused to play for Scotland again:
"I saw him play at Kilmarnock on Sunday. He did really well. I go to as many 'Old Firm' games as I can. That was the first time I've seen him play for Rangers this season. It's all about passion and commitment.If he had a change of mind he would have to come to me."
George did however have a cautionary note for fans attending the game who expect a fully committed game:
"This is a friendly - we are allowed six substitutions, and I will utilise that."
There were three Rangers players named in the Scotland Under-21 squad to face Northern Ireland at Hampden next Tuesday, namely Scott Gallacher, Rory Loy (both of whom have yet to win a cap at this level) and Steven Lennon.
Goalkeepers
Craig Gordon (Sunderland)
Allan McGregor (Rangers)
David Marshall (Norwich City)
Defenders
Graham Alexander (Burnley)
Darren Barr (Falkirk)
Christophe Berra (Heart of Midlothian)
Kirk Broadfoot (Rangers)
Gary Caldwell (Celtic)
Alan Hutton (Tottenham Hotspur)
Jamie McAllister (Bristol City)
Stephen McManus (Celtic)
Gary Naysmith (Sheffield United)
Midfield
Scott Brown (Celtic)
Kris Commons (Derby County)
Barry Ferguson (Rangers)
Darren Fletcher (Manchester United)
Paul Hartley (Celtic)
Shaun Maloney (Celtic)
James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion)
Barry Robson (Celtic)
Forwards
David Clarkson (Motherwell)
Steven Fletcher (Hibernian)
Chris Iwelumo (Wolverhampton W.)
Ross McCormack (cardiff City)
James McFadden (Birmingham City)
Kenny Miller (Rangers)
UNDER-21 SQUAD
Goalkeepers
Scott Gallacher (Rangers)
Alan Martin (Leeds United)
Defenders
Paul Caddis (Celtic)
Brian Easton (Hamilton Academical)
David Gray (Manchester United)
Jason Marr (Celtic)
Chris Mitchell (Falkirk)
Alex Pearce (Reading)
Midfield
Scott Arfield (Falkirk)
Paul Coutts (Peterborough United)
Kevin McDonald (Burnley)
Mark Millar (Celtic)
Lewis Stevenson (Hibernian)
Forwards
David Goodwillie (Dundee United)
Steven Lennon (Rangers)
Rory Loy (Rangers)
Chris Maguire (Aberdeen)
Jamie Murphy (Motherwell)