World Cup 2010 qualifying Group Nine: Scotland v Norway Venue: Hampden Park Date: Saturday, 11 October Kick-off: 1500 BST Coverage: BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Sport website. Highlights on Sportscene, BBC One Scotland @ 2150 BST
Peat said the Scottish and English press have a terrible reputation
Scottish Football Association president George Peat has hit out at the press over their recent criticism of national manager George Burley.
Burley came under fire after losing his first competitive match in charge to Macedonia in the opening Group Nine World Cup qualifier.
"Unfortunately, the Scottish press have been extremely hard on him," said Peat.
"It's just the way they are. The Scottish press and English press have a terrible reputation."
Peat was speaking to the BBC ahead of Scotland's encounter with Norway at Hampden and insisted that the press were placing too much pressure on the national team to achieve a result on Saturday.
"They're trying to make out this is an all or nothing match," said Peat.
"But they're all vital nowadays, every one is vital."
Peat was also quick to dismiss speculation that Burley's position as manager would be under threat if results continue to go against him.
"George has been unfairly criticised," said the SFA president. "He has played two competitive matches - we lost one 1-0 and we won the other one.
"We don't take a man on a short-term contract.
"It would be grossly unfair to make any decision at this stage.
"He's here until the World Cup and that's the way we hope it will work."
Scotland go into Saturday's match against Norway on three points along with Macedonia and group favourites and early leaders Netherlands, who have have played one game less.
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