George Burley has admitted he is taking a massive risk in selecting veteran Rangers centre-half David Weir for next month’s World Cup Qualifiers.

Burley has called-up the 39-year-old for the must win games against Holland and Macedonia following the suspension of Gary Caldwell and concerns over the fitness of Steven Caldwell and Christophe Berra.

But Burley – who has also selected Kilmarnock striker Kevin Kyle – knows it will not be easy for Weir as Scotland look to bounce-back from their 4-0 hammering in Norway earlier this month.

He said: “I've been in touch with David since I've been the manager – he has played in some of the games and played against Norway at Hampden last year.

“David is a model professional but at this stage you are looking to try and introduce other players.

“David is turning 40 and it is a big ask for a player of his age to jump off from the SPL to international football – but I wouldn't pick him if I wasn't going to play him.”