Pressley tells Hearts skipper he'd Berra wait his turn

SCOTLAND coach Steven Pressley has told Christophe Berra he must show patience to become an international regular, even if that means spending years earning only the occasional cap.

Pressley made a point of taking Berra aside following last month's World Cup qualifying matches against Macedonia and Iceland to offer advice having endured a lengthy courting period with Scotland himself under Craig Brown.

With Stephen McManus suspended for Saturday's World Cup qualifier with Norway, national coach George Burley is expected to partner Gary Caldwell with David Weir in central defence and name Berra among his substitutes.

The Hearts captain has been named in all five of Burley's squads but managed only one full cap to date, against the Czech Republic in May. Pressley stressed he should bide his time for an opportunity rather than become despondent.

"I spoke to Christophe after the last get-together and explained that he needed just to show a little bit of patience," Pressley told the Evening News.

"I had to experience that as a player myself. I was involved in many squads and didn't feature, it's all part of the learning curve. I travelled with many squads under Craig Brown and sat in many stands. It was experience and I had to be patient.

"I explained that to Christophe and I'm sure his opportunity will come, maybe when least expected. I'm sure he'll be ready for that. He was very understanding. I think he realises his time will come."

Pressley, a former Hearts captain, played alongside Berra during his formative years at Tynecastle. Having studied the 23-year-old's development closely, he believes all the attributes of a quality international defender are in evidence.

"I've always liked Christophe. I think he has all the attributes to become a top-class centre-back," said Pressley.

"There are still aspects of his game that he must work on but he's very quick, strong, aggressive, good in the air and his reading of the game is improving all the time. He has a bright future ahead of him."