Pressley quit this morning, less than 24 hours after Burley had been told his own job as manager was safe.

There had been claims Falkirk coach Pressley, 35, was not popular among some members of the Scotland squad.

But Burley said today: "That's something that I'm not aware of, not aware of at all.

"Steven is a smashing lad, a great professional and I'm sure he'll do a terrific job at Falkirk."

Burley plans to replace Pressley, who became one of his assistants along with Terry Butcher when he was appointed Scotland manager at the beginning of last year.

"There are one or two names in mind, so that's something we've got to look very seriously at to try to make the right decision, because it's an important one," said Burley, whose next game is the October 10 friendly in Japan.

Speaking at Castlehead High School, Paisley, one of the Scottish Football Association's Schools of Football, he added: "I'd love to have somebody in place before the Japan game.

"Whether that will happen, I don't know but that's what I'm aiming for."

Burley claims Pressley quit to focus on his job at Falkirk, where he has been an assistant to Eddie May since hanging up his boots at the end of last season.

Before that, the former Scotland defender continued to combine playing with his coaching duties under Burley, who he previously served as captain at Hearts.

Rumours had been rife Burley was set to ditch Pressley, who said this morning: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Scotland and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity.

"It has been an honour to be involved with the national team.

"It was evident from the outset that my role in team affairs would be minimal and that my opportunity to do any coaching would always be limited in the current management structure.

"Although I appreciate the benefits for a young coach of being involved in an international set-up, after 18 months in the role I felt that it was the right time to step back from Scotland and concentrate all my efforts on my club career.

"I would like to thank George for the experience and I would also like to wish the team every success for the future."

Burley met his SFA paymasters on Monday and managed to convince them not to sack him despite failing to lead them into the World Cup play-offs.

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith last night insisted no pressure had been put on Burley to get rid of Pressley or Tommy McLean, who Burley confirmed today would be retained.

Explaining Scotland Under-17 coach McLean's role as a player observer and scout, Burley said. "Tommy is not involved in the coaching at all; Tommy sits up in the stand.

"Since I've been a manager, I've always liked somebody sitting up in the stand, assessing what we're playing, what they're playing and the tactics.

"And that's Tommy's role."