But he concedes he needs to be careful over the use of naturalised citizens.

Burley did not say whether he would select the Spaniard if he obtained a British passport, but hinted that Novo's lack of first-team action with Rangers may count against him.

However, unlike assistant Terry Butcher and SFA president George Peat, he is not opposed to picking players without Scottish blood.

Burley told BBC Radio Scotland: "Times have changed but I think you have got to be very careful.

"At the moment he doesn't qualify because he doesn't have a British passport, but I'm aware of Nacho.

"I saw him in Europe a lot last season, but then again, he is not a regular for Rangers.

"I think it would be wrong to exclude someone if you haven't got a Scottish parent.

"Every case is different, because naturally you are looking for Scottish players.

"But if you are desperate to play for that country and your kids have been born here and you have been living here for many years, I think from the SFA's point of view, we have got to be open to it.

"But we have still got to be very careful. If we are going to choose somebody, they have got to have the right credentials."

With the likes of Spain, Portugal, Poland, Germany and Croatia all using the rules, Burley stressed that times had changed in the international game.

"Previously you didn't go to the grandparents," he added. "With the way football is going and life is going, someone could be in this country from a three-year-old.

"But you don't want to change it too much."

Asked if Novo would make the grade if he was eligible, Burley said: "He doesn't have a British passport.

"You are always looking and it's up to the player concerned.

"My criteria are; are they playing regularly, how are they performing, are they outstanding? Is he desperate to play for the country?

"There are a lot of things to look at."

Novo has claimed he would be happy to obtain a British passport and play for Scotland if the SFA approach him, but Burley looks unlikely to do so.

And he will not be making contact with another Rangers striker, Kris Boyd, who earlier this month retired from the international scene while Burley is in charge.

"I'm sure the Scottish fans want people who are desperate to play for their country," Burley said.

"We have important games coming up in the World Cup campaign and we are only focused on that."