Scotland boss George Burley is considering Rangers teenager John Fleck for inclusion in his squad for the crucial World Cup qualifying fixtures against Holland and Iceland next month, reports The Scotsman. Asked if the 17 year old striker had a chance of being selected to face the Dutch, Burley replied: "If he's performing well at Rangers, why not? I'll be going to the Old Firm game on Sunday and if he plays and does well, who knows?

"It's something I'll be keeping a very close eye on. It's important for the boy to progress. There have been a number of young players who played regularly at 17 in their club careers, so if they are good enough to push on, then it is something you've got to assess.

"As a club manager, I've never been reluctant to push exceptional youngsters through if I felt it was right and I'll be the same as the national team manager.

"I'm very excited about young John. I've spoken to Walter Smith about him and he thinks he is going to be a really top- class player.

"With any young player, you have to assess it on a weekly basis and I'm sure Rangers will do that, but there is no doubt he's an exceptional talent at 17 years old.

"I've always said if you're good enough, you're old enough. Age doesn't matter, it's what level you are playing at and how well you are playing that counts.

"There's not so many coming through at 17 as there used to be. I was fortunate enough at 17 to make my debut for Ipswich against George Best, and Barry Ferguson, I think, was 17 when he made his debut for Rangers.

"There are fewer coming through but if there is one there, if there is a Wayne Rooney for example, you've got to look at it carefully and if they're performing on the highest stage you treat it as an individual case."