PARIS, August 21, 2008 (AFP) - Scotland manager George Burley is in confident spirits heading into the World Cup qualifiers despite a goalless draw against Northern Ireland in their final warm-up match.

Scotland face two tough away trips as they open their Group Nine campaign in the quest to qualify for South Africa in 2010.

The Scots are away to Macedonia on September 6 then travel to Iceland on September 10 in the opening double header.

But Burley believes his team are good enough to claim some points on the road which will be vital if Scotland are to qualify for their first tournament finals since 1998.

Burley said: 'I think we have a group of players who work hard for each other and are passionate to do well. There are areas we can still improve on but I think we are going into it with good spirits and with two difficult away games hopefully we can come back with some points.

'At the moment there are maybe four or five players on the borderline of being fit for the match in Macedonia so that's going to dictate the team.

'We have been a bit unfortunate since I took over with injuries but there is nothing you can do about that. It gives other players opportunities to come in.

'Once we know who is going to be available that will give me a clearer mind what team I am going to play.'

Scotland warmed up for next month's World Cup qualifiers with a goalless draw against ten-man Northern Ireland at Hampden on Wednesday.

Their 12-year wait for a win in a friendly match at the national stadium continues after they could not break down a stubborn Northern Ireland side.

Clear-cut chances were few and far between in the first half and it was more of note for the noisy Northern Irish travelling support than any action.

Northern Ireland's David Healy thought he had blown his country's first chance of the night in the seventh minute when he hit straight at Craig Gordon but the Fulham striker had already been flagged offside.

Manchester City's Ryan McGivern picked up a yellow card after 26 minutes for a late challenge on Scotland midfielder Scott Brown.

Birmingham City player McFadden had Scotland's first shot on target in the 30th minute.

He controlled a pass from Graham Alexander on the chest before beating his marker but his shot was weak and straight at club colleague Maik Taylor.

The second-half came to life in the 57 minute when McGivern's Northern Ireland debut ended prematurely with a red card.

The defender picked up his second booking for hauling back Scott Brown at the edge of the box after the midfielder had him beaten for pace.

Northern Ireland should have taken the lead in the 59th minute when substitute Warren Feeney won them a penalty after being brought down in the box by keeper McGregor, who had replaced Gordon in goal.

However the sinner turned saint when he pulled off a fantastic one-handed save from David Healy's spot-kick, diving low to his right and claiming the ball before there could be any follow-up.

Falkirk's Darren Barr nearly marked his Scotland debut with a goal in the 62 minute with an arrowed header from Robson's corner but Taylor gathered well at his near post.

Scotland had the best of the remaining chances with McFadden coming close with ten minutes remaining.

A Robson corner was knocked on by Miller and McFadden's powerful shot on the volley was well blocked by Taylor.

Scotland pressed hard in the final minutes but could not find a way past Taylor and their Hampden winless streak in friendly matches continues.