Scotland manager George Burley survived to fight another day after his side kept alive their World Cup play-off hopes.

Pressure had been mounting on Burley since last month's 4-0 thrashing in Norway left the nation's chances of qualifying for next summer's finals in South Africa in the balance and he knew defeat at Hampden could have spelled the end of his tenure.

However, the Scots rose to the challenge with a crucial 2-0 home victory over Macedonia.

After a nervous first half ended all square Scott Brown claimed his first international goal after the restart and James McFadden ensured the victory late on ahead of another crunch match on Wednesday night against Holland.

Scotland's hopes in Group Nine were further boosted after Norway could only draw 1-1 with Iceland in Reykjavik.

John Arne Riise had put the visitors ahead with a sweetly-struck free-kick after 10 minutes before Eidur Gudjohnsen equalised on the half-hour to deny Norway three precious points.'

Norway striker John Carew was unlucky not to have been awarded a second half penalty, but it would have been more than they deserved.

Match Reports

Scotland 2-0 Macedonia

Iceland 1-1 Norway