LIFE IS too short to bear grudges - even if you are one of the most enduring players the Scottish game has ever produced.

So, George Burley was on safe ground when he made the call to David Weir in his hour of greatest need.

Left out of the squad for last month's vital World Cup qualifier in Oslo, which ended in a disastrous 4-0 defeat, it would have been all too easy for the Rangers defender to decline the invitation to return for the double-header against Macedonia and Holland.

But, pettiness is not a trait of the 39-year-old, and he will be as proud and happy to line up at Hampden tomorrow for his 64th cap as he was when he first pulled on the dark blue against Wales at Rugby Park 12 years ago.

It's almost as though an insult to his patriotism had been tossed down at his feet when the subject of his recall is raised.

"Of course I was happy to accept the call-up for this game," Weir said, his gaze fixed. "Why would I not be?

"That's the nature of football. Sometimes you get picked, sometimes you don't.

"You have to try and respond in the right way. You have to try and get back in the team and make an impression there.

"As a footballer, the only thing that really matters is what you do on the pitch, not what you say off it or do off it."

Burley did have the good grace to speak to Weir ahead of the squad announcement for the Norway game, and Weir admitted: "I was disappointed not to be involved, but I understand his reasoning.

"He spoke to me about it and explained it to me. I have no problem with that.

"That's what a manager does, he makes decisions. You won't always agree with them, but you've got to respect the decision."

Which left Weir to join thousands of other Scots tuned into events in the Ullevaal Stadium, initially in anticipation of a positive result, then in apprehension as Gary Caldwell was sent off and the roof collapsed along with any semblance of resistance to John Carew and the Viking marauders.

Asked how he felt, Weir smiled as he replied: "I was glad I wasn't there. If I'm being honest, I'm glad I wasn't part of it.

"Obviously, I wish the boys had got a better result. But I was disappointed a lot of decisions and circumstances went against them.

"It was a difficult evening for a lot of reasons. But I don't think me being there would have made much difference."

Hopefully, his presence tomorrow will have a bearing and help Scotland get back on track.

The impact of one bad result has turned everything around and Weir admitted: "That's football. It can change very quickly, but it can also change the other way.

"If we win against Macedonia, we're right back in it. That's why this is such a big game. It can change the whole complexion of the group and give us a good chance again.

"The groups are so tight, and with ours being a five-team section, one result can change it drastically. I think it can change again between now and the end. There's still a bit of to-ing and fro-ing to go."

With Macedonia creeping into second place on the back of Scotland's heavy defeat in Norway, fingers are crossed Weir's wisdom is on the mark.

However, even runners-up spot might not be enough with only eight play-off places available.

Weir doesn't want to look at that particular scenario, explaining: "The priority has got to be to get that second spot, then see what happens from there.

"There are a lot of other results from other groups that can affect who gets to the play-offs.

"But all we can affect are our games, so that's what we've got to focus on."

The smile returned when he was asked if, during the hours spent up in the team's lochside hotel, the players try to work out exactly how many points it will take to get a play-off place.

"I don't think that has ever been players' strong points, working out permutations," he laughed.

"We've got to focus on being ready for the game and leave all the rest of the stuff to the experts."

Weir's particular area of expertise could be helping his country reach a major Finals. He has certainly got more experience of that than the vast majority of the players with whom he is sharing the current dream.

Memories of the World Cup in France 1998 are there to be shared. But he'd much prefer if his team-mates had the chance to sample such an occasion for themselves.

Weir said: "I do feel for them. That's the saddest part of it. It's over 10 years since a Scottish team has been to a major championships, and that's too long.

"There has been a generation of players who've not experienced it, not been part of a major tournament. That's a big loss for them and for the country.

"That's why, even though, if we're being honest, getting to South Africa is going to be difficult, we've still got to give it all our attention and give it a right good go."

Is he greedy enough to want another slice of that action? "Of course I am. You've got to be greedy and want it badly. That goes a long way in football.

"I look forward to all Scotland games. It's a great occasion, and it's not often you get the opportunity to represent your country.

"I've been fortunate to do that more than most (only seven players have won more Scotland caps than him). But you've got to enjoy it, especially as your career comes towards the end.

"You maybe appreciate it a little bit more and realise it is a big thing, a big achievement and something you should be proud of.

"So it's something you have got to enjoy, even though sometimes it's hard to enjoy it."