The relationship between both men stretches all the way back to their playing days together at Ipswich in the 1970s and '80s but Butcher admits he has seen Burley in a new light since becoming Scotland manager.

Burley has endured a tumultuous 18-month rein so far which has included Kris Boyd walking out on the national team, the infamous 'Boozegate' affair, Chris Iwelumo's sitter, a whole host of injury problems and less than inspiring results on the pitch which has led to plenty of criticism being aimed at him.

Despite the hurdles, Scotland head into their final qualifier against Holland on Wednesday night still with a chance of securing second place in Group Nine and a play-off place which could prove to be their ticket to South Africa next summer.

"I played in the same team as George and he broke my cheekbone many years ago so I know how determined he is," said assistant boss Butcher.

"He is a strong character. I didn't realise how tough the job was but, having seen George in it, he has handled it very well.

"He is the most positive man I've ever met. I think everybody has responded to the positivity and belief and spirit that he has.

"No-one would have withstood the hullabaloo and everything else that has gone with the job but he has focused on one thing.

"To get into this position considering all that is quite remarkable. But there is no point being in this position and not doing it on Wednesday.

"We want to make sure we make that final step and the players are determined to do that.

"George has been the same person all the time. He gets animated but never gets down. I've never seen him down.

"He has always been upbeat and he has certainly inspired me because I plumb the depths when we lose because I'm that sort of person.

"He is terrific and the whole squad has been terrific as well."

If Scotland fail to clinch second place, Burley is likely to find himself out of a job regardless of his efforts.

However, what happens should the Scots finish as runners-up but still narrowly miss out on the play-offs is less clear.

Butcher said: "We will look at that if it happens, we don't look beyond the final whistle on Wednesday.

"We are looking forward to the first whistle and starting well and giving it everything. That's all we can do.

"The confidence of the players is high and the togetherness and spirit is there.

"If we all have the same belief as the manager, we will be all right."

Holland have already qualified for the finals with a 100% record but Butcher believes Scotland often perform to their best when the odds are stacked against them.

He said: "You just have to look at history, it's been done before.

"Scotland have upset the odds before and Scotland will always upset the odds because that's the manner and attitude and character of the players and of the people as well.

"It doesn't have to be a spectacle of football, it doesn't have to be a great game, it's the result that matters.

"We are very much together on this. We have always been together but even more so now.

"Some people see no light but George sees a blinding light at the end of the tunnel. There is more light than ever before in this group for us.

"The players are quietly confident, there is a real determination about the players and that is even more apparent now.

"History says that Scotland don't do particularly well in double-headers but there have been rules and records broken before and we aim to do that on Wednesday.

"We will be going all out to get the win."

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Goalkeeper Craig Gordon, Steven Fletcher and Brown all failed to train with the Scotland squad this afternoon.

Brown continued to receive treatment on the ankle injury he picked up at the weekend, while Gordon was nursing a thigh strain and Fletcher had a cold.

However, Gordon and Fletcher are both expected to be available for selection for Wednesday's game and Brown is also optimistic about his chances of taking part.