But the national team coach declared the friendly against the Czech Republic, which ended in a 3-1 defeat in Prague, as a worthwhile exercise.

Burley had seven call-offs ahead of his debut against Croatia in March and suffered another six ahead of this game.

Key players like James McFadden and Alan Hutton withdrew through injury, along with Hibernian's Steven Fletcher and Rangers trio Kris Boyd, Steven Whittaker and Kevin Thomson.

Others, like skipper Barry Ferguson, were absent from the squad named by Burley earlier this month as he was forced to take into account injury and fatigue from a long, hard club season.

Burley said: "For any nation, you want your best players available and hopefully come the World Cup qualifiers we will have them available.

"But who knows? You can get injuries so you need a squad and competition and that showed today. Young players got experience and that can only be good for the future."

Motherwell's David Clarkson marked his debut with a goal but a double from Libor Sionko and a Michal Kadlec strike sealed the win for the home side.

"Sometimes in defeat you learn more," Burley insisted afterwards.

"We needed to be tested. Our first two World Cup qualifiers are away from home and the temperature in Macedonia will be similar to today.

"In this situation you are looking to build. We knew we were taking on a game that wouldn't be easy and we were aware of the Czech Republic's record. It was a case of getting some sort of system, giving players an opportunity and they gave it all they've got.

"The Czechs stepped up in the second half and it was disappointing to lose the goals. But you are learning about players and it was certainly a worthwhile exercise."

The Scotland boss also singled out Clarkson for praise.

The striker has had a rollercoaster season, with saw him suffer the loss of his uncle - and Motherwell skipper - Phil O'Donnell before helping the Steelmen secure a third place finish in the SPL.

Burley said: "I'm pleased for David. It's all about taking your opportunities.

"We were inundated with call-offs but it was an opportunity for others to impress and David will be pleased at scoring a cracking goal."

Czech coach Karel Bruckner - who will retire after Euro 2008 - was also satisfied with the efforts of his players and pleased with the result ahead of this summer's tournament.

He said: "We knew it'd be difficult and it was. I'm very pleased with the result and I don't see the game just as a dress rehearsal - we wanted to win.

"We saw more combinations this time compared to the game against Lithuania and our defence was better.

"As the match progressed, the quality showed and that was thanks to the players who came on in the second half. I also want to thank the other team for their fair play."

ends