George Burley has dismissed suggestions that he will put his future in charge of Scotland at risk if the team fails to overcome Norway today in the crucial World Cup qualifying encounter at Hampden Park and insisted that his counterpart, Age Hareide, is actually under far greater pressure.

The Scotland manager was told in print yesterday by his own chief executive, Gordon Smith, that he is not under threat, no matter what happens in the group nine game. However, Smith also conceded that “anything less than a win” from Scotland's third match of the campaign would probably end ambitions of reaching the finals in South Africa in 2010.

Burley's side go into the game in reasonable optimism, after recovering from defeat in Macedonia last month by then winning in Iceland. Scotland, though, are very much aware of the fact that Norway came to Glasgow and won on World Cup duty in October 2004, a result that hastened the departure of Berti Vogts.

When asked if he felt more reassured that Smith had given him a vote of confidence, Burley said: “It is not about me. I took this job to try to get Scotland forward. It is about the country, the fans and the players, not me. We all just want to progress. Being national manager, is the pinnacle of your career, so of course there's pressure, but it's an honour. You look forward to big games but you have to be strong and confident. There is a belief among the players and we have a mental toughness.

“If we can beat Norway we'll be in a half-decent position. It is a big game but Norway are under more pressure than us after drawing at home to Iceland. They only have one point and must go to Holland on Wednesday. That is why I am sure they will not sit back and that it will be an open game. They will be looking to win.”

Burley refused to divulge his team selection, or whether he will return to the 4-5-1 system that Walter Smith and Alex McLeish used to such success as Scotland advanced up the Fifa rankings to 16th in the world. The absence of the injured Kenny Miller has offered an opening for the uncapped Chris Iwelumo, of Wolverhampton Wanderers, who is almost certain to start up front, possibly alongside James McFadden.

“I feel we can win,” Burley said. “It's not easy to qualify for major championships, as other managers have found, but what we are trying to do is to progress from our win in Iceland.”

With the regular Scotland captain, Barry Ferguson, out injured and his deputy, Stephen McManus, suspended after his dismissal against Iceland, the armband goes to Darren Fletcher. “There will be a lot of voices on the pitch,” the Manchester United midfield player said, “but I will try my best and I will try to lead by example.”