So, one game into the qualifiers, and the media are already touting Scotland for a disapointing campaign, an opinion that Gary Caldwell differs with.

"To judge it over one game is incredible, to say we are out this early" Caldwell said.
"We know we have got a team that is capable of winning games and qualifying."

However, the media's reaction is hardly surprising when you look at the football, or rather, the LACK of football Scotland produced against macedonia on saturday, but is it something deeper?

The media has alluded to an argument between George Burley and Lee McCulloch, intimating that Lee would not play under George. The fact that he retired from international football at just 30 a few days later may suggest that the media, for once, may have got it spot on. Steven Pressley quickly moved to say this on the subject

"It's not disruptive at all. Lee made his decision and we respect that. said Pressley.
The team spirit is very good, so there are no fears about that.
It's a young side who get on well and there is definitely good spirit in the camp."

Hibernians Steven Fletcher, called up as a replacement for Gary O'Connor has reasserted Pressley's statement.

"There is a club atmosphere around the camp and it's a good atmosphere to be part of.
The boys have looked well in training and this is an opportunity to put three points on the board, and hopefully we do that."

They have also reported that Lee McCulloch is not the only player unhappy with Burley's style of play, scources in the media report that several players are unhappy and morale is low within the Scotland camp. But Manchester United Winger Darren fletcher has leapt to under pressure Managers defence.

"I'm disheartened by stories about players not wanting to work for the manager." Fletcher told the Daily Record.
"If somebody's got a problem they should be up front about it and not hide behind anybody's back. These stories have come from somewhere but they don't represent my view.
The manager has my full backing and I've always found him to be passionate, enthusiastic and full of knowledge.
We are always well prepared when it comes to an in-depth analysis of whoever we're playing and if the manager is supposed to be on the nervous side then I have to say I've never been aware of that."

Im sure i dont need to tell you, that this is an unwelcome distraction for the Scotland camp. Lets hope now, it has been put to bed and that the players and staff alike can concentrate fully on the task ahead, and what a task that will be. There is no two ways about it, to lose or draw to Iceland would be terminal, and Scotland can virtually count themselves out of the World Cup, but lets hope they show them the proper amount of respect, as opposed to too much in the first half against Macedonia. Scotland Need'nt be frightened of Iceland, we have seen the football they are truly capable of playing in the Euro's but Scotland need to respect them and play their own game, as opposed to sitting back and relying solely on counter attacking.

This game surely must be about getting back on track and trying to build some positive momentum to take into the Norway match at Hampden, which in itself will be a tough match, and is essential to gain points from.

Squad wise, Scotland will be boosted no doubt, by the news Kenny Miller and Graeme Alexander have both been passed fit to play, but James Morrison is still sidelined with an ankle injury.