Macedonia drew level on seven points in second place with the Scots courtesy of a 2-0 home win over Iceland, although they have played a game more and have a slightly inferior goal difference.

The Scotland boss received a boost in the later kick-off in Rotterdam when Holland, who have already qualified as runaway group leaders, maintained their 100% record with a 2-0 win over Norway which left Egil Olsen's men rooted to the bottom of the table with just three points from five games.

Scotland's next match is away to Norway in August before they welcome Macedonia and then Holland to Hampden in what will be a crucial double-header in September.

Ending the campaign as one of the best eight runners-up from the nine qualifying groups would ensure a play-off place and the chance for Scotland to reach their first major tournament since the 1998 World Cup in France.

However, Burley believes there is still a lot of work to be done before the Tartan Army can start preparing for a trip to South Africa.

"The group was always going to be tight," he told PA Sport.

"We knew that before we started the campaign and the results in the last few days have shown that.

"The teams fighting for second spot can all take points off each other.

"But we know what we have to do now.

"Going to Norway in August was always going to be crucial.

"But with the Macedonia result (against Iceland) it means that we have to beat them when they come to Hampden in September."