Burley's Scots a worry for Shumi

IPSWICH Town midfielder Veliche Shumulikoski fears his World Cup dreams may be scuppered by former Portman Road boss George Burley.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town midfielder Veliche Shumulikoski fears his World Cup dreams may be scuppered by former Portman Road boss George Burley.

The 27-year-old is expected to line up for Macedonia against Scotland when the 2010 World Cup qualifiers begin on Saturday.

Shumi knows the value of getting off to a good start as he sets out to fulfil his ambition of playing in the finals in South Africa.

But Burley, who is now the Scottish manager, stands in his way.

“From what I have heard about George he is a very astute manager,” said Shumi.

“I don't know him personally but, because I play for Ipswich, I know all about what he achieved at the club.

“He is still spoken about at Portman Road and this is a sign of how popular he is.”

Macedonia follow up their game against the Scots in Skopje with a home match against Holland on Wednesday.

“It will be very hot, perhaps 30 degrees, so that will help us,” added Shumi. “This will give us an advantage but the Scotland players will have had to cope with these temperatures in the past.

“If we can get some points from Scotland and Holland at home it will give us a chance of achieving something in the group.

“If we come out of the games with nothing, it will be very difficult for us from there.”