BOSSES SATISFIED WITH WARM-UP LESSONS

McGivern is sent off.

George Burley may still be searching for his first win as Scotland manager but he insists his players are ready for next month's World Cup qualifying double header against Macedonia and Iceland.

With a draw and a defeat from previous matches against Croatia and the Czech Republic, Burley had been hoping

tonight's friendly against Northern Ireland would yield his first victory as national team boss.

A red card for Ryan McGivern should have aided Scotland's cause but it was the Irish who were unfortunate not to claim a winner at Hampden when David Healy failed to convert from the penalty spot.

The clash at Hampden was Burley's final preparatory match before their quest to qualify for South Africa in 2010 begins in earnest and he believes he has seen enough to be confident ahead of those two crucial away games.

"We have a group of players who work hard for each other and they are passionate to do well," he said.

"There are areas we can still improve on but we are going into it in good spirits.

"We have two difficult away games but hopefully we can come back with some points.

"It was good to see some fresh blood who can do you a job.

"At the moment, there are still four or five players who are borderline in terms of being fit so that is going to dictate the team.

"We have been a bit unfortunate with injuries since I took over but there is nothing you can do about that and it gives other people opportunities.

"When we know who's going to be available, that will give me a clearer mind about who us going to play."

There were debuts tonight for Kevin Thomson, Darren Barr, Christophe Berra and Kris Commons, while Michael Stewart made his first appearance in a Scotland jersey in almost six years.

And, despite the goalless stalemate, Burley declared the visit of Nigel Worthington's men a worthwhile exercise.

"We wanted the win and it didn't happen," he said.

"But it was a good workout and I was able to blood a number of new players and they all did well. Overall, I thought we passed it quite well at times.

"We knew Northern Ireland would make it difficult for us, they are a strong international side. It would have been great to win but it wasn't to be.

"We tried James McFadden and Kenny Miller up front and they maybe just lacked that little bit of cutting edge.

"When you are at home and you have a few chances and you put teams under pressure, you are looking to put the ball in the net.

"We were unfortunate a couple of times not to score so it was just that lack of cutting edge that would have won us the game.

"There is still a bit of work to be done but they worked hard and it takes time for any partnership to form.

"At home, you are looking to play with your two strikers and put people under pressure. At times I thought they did well but there is still work to be done.

"It's something we have to look at but they both worked their socks off and at times they did well.

"In the second half, we were unfortunate not to get a goal. It was a point-blank save from about two yards from McFadden and if it goes in then we have won the game and the partnership has worked.

"They are both excellent strikers and excellent players - it maybe just doesn't happen overnight."

While admitting to a few niggling doubts over his front pairing, Burley revealed the goalkeeping position is also far from set in stone.

Craig Gordon retains the gloves for now but an impressive display from Allan McGregor - who conceded and then saved a penalty - did not go unnoticed by the Scotland boss.

"There is a close call because you are talking about two top-class international goalkeepers," he said.

"I've said from day one we are fortunate to have that because they are both outstanding.

"Craig Gordon has been terrific for Scotland so we are in a very healthy position. It's healthy competition.

"At the moment, Craig is the number one but Allan has come in and done exceptionally well.

"At this precise moment Craig has not put a step wrong but he knows that Allan has 45 minutes under his belt and has shown what a top-class international goalkeeper he is as well."

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington took issue with referee Nicolai Vollquartz for sending off Ryan McGivern on his debut at Hampden.

The 18-year-old Manchester City full-back was dismissed by the Danish official in the 56th minute of the 0-0 draw against Scotland.

McGivern, fast-tracked into the side from the Under-20s, was penalised for the second of two yellow cards after flooring Scott Brown as he surged forward.

Worthington said: "I thought it was a bit harsh to send the youngster off in the circumstances as the match was a friendly.

"The first challenge was enthusiasm, that's all, and no-one was hurt. But the referee has made a decision and we have to live with that.

"I am just disappointed for the boy because he did extremely well. He will remember what happened for the rest of his life.

"On the one hand he was delighted to make his senior debut but on the other hand he is hugely disappointed with the decision.

"But that is part of being a professional player. Ryan has an old head on young shoulders so he will deal with this very quickly."

Despite being down to 10 men, Northern Ireland had the chance to secure a morale-boosting victory ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Slovakia next month.

However record scorer David Healy saw his penalty saved in the 59th minute by substitute Scotland goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

Worthington was relaxed about the situation and said: "David is fine. He has no problem with what happened. The 'keeper made a very good save.

"He has promised me after what happened tonight he won't miss in the World Cup campaign and that is good enough for me."

Stand-in captain Maik Taylor then made a superb save from Birmingham team-mate James McFadden late on and Worthington was thrilled with his side's display, especially as he was without a number of key players.

He said: "There were a lot of very good performances and it shows the group is getting stronger.

"The game was a great exercise and a blueprint of what we are looking for away from home.

"I thought we passed the ball well. We only had limited chances but that is usually the case when you are on your travels."