"TO BE asked to be manager of my country is a great honour," said former Ipswich Town manager George Burley after being confirmed as the new manager of Scotland.

"TO BE asked to be manager of my country is a great honour," said former Ipswich Town manager George Burley after being confirmed as the new manager of Scotland.

Burley, who left Championship club Southampton to take the job, will be in charge for the first time for the friendly against Croatia on March 26.

Burley said: "As a manager it's a great honour. It's something you want to do, given the opportunity. I never thought it would ever happen.

"When Scotland showed interest there were so many outstanding candidates with huge experience.

"It's something I'm really looking to. I feel I'm ready for it.''

Burley, 51, has signed a contract taking him through to the European Championships in 2012.