Burley was at pains to stress:
"I've been in touch with David since the day I was appointed Manager. It's a big ask to play International Football when you're approaching 40. I wouldn't pick him unless I was going to play him. He will be in my starting line-up. He is a role model who wants to play for his country. He played last year against Norway, but he wouldn't have made any difference last month in Oslo. We did very well for 33 minutes before circumstances changed the game."
On the prospect of winning the two games still to play in the group, the Scots Boss was frank in his assessment:
"It's a difficult situation. We need to win both games. Macedonia are an excellent side. The Holland game takes care of itself. They are both excellent teams of the highest standard - we will need to be at our best."
To the surprise of many, Celtic centre-half Stephen McManus was named in the squad, despite injury having precluded him from a solitary game thus far this season. Burley defended his choice:
"He is 100% fit but needs games. We have three central defenders doubtful through injury. Stephen is an honest, competitive defender who will die for the cause."
One is tempted to add that many fans would also "die for the cause" - but that is hardly a reason for inclusion in a World Cup squad...
GOALKEEPERS
Neil Alexander (Rangers)
Craig Gordon (Sunderland)
David Marshall (Cardiff City)
DEFENDERS
Darren Barr (Falkirk)
Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Gary Caldwell (Celtic)
Steven Caldwell (Burnley)
Callum Davidson (Preston North End)
Alan Hutton (Tottenham Hotspur)
Jamie McAllister (Bristol City)
Stephen McManus (Celtic)
David Weir (Rangers)
Steven Whittaker (Rangers)
MIDFIELD
Graham Alexander (Burnley)
Scott Brown (Celtic)
Kris Commons (Derby County)
Darren Fletcher (Manchester United)
Paul Hartley (Bristol City)
James McFadden (Birmingham City)
Shaun Maloney (Celtic)
FORWARDS
David Clarkson (Bristol City)
Steven Fletcher (Burnley)
Kevin Kyle (Kilmarnock)
Kenny Miller (Rangers)
Steven Naismith (Rangers)