BARRY FERGUSON has urged the nation to stick with George Burley's Scotland and not give up on our World Cup dream.

Despite the bald statistics that show the Scots have won only once in seven outings - and scored a meagre two goals in five games under the former Hearts manager - Fergie has no doubts that Burley is the man to guide us to South Africa 2010.

And Fergie believes his Hampden run out against Diego Maradona's Argentina in midweek was another massive step forward to full fitness for him.

The Rangers and Scotland captain said: "I'm a positive guy and I don't think there is any point in turning up if you are in the frame of mind that we are not going to win or not going to qualify. I always go into each game believing I can win it and I'm sure, that each guy in the squad is of the same mind.

"Everybody has a different way of managing and coaching and George is different from previous Scotland managers. That was my first time involved with George and I was impressed. It was just good to be back and playing against one of the best teams in the world was a good experience.

"Probably for the first 15 minutes we got the run around but after then we settled down and created a few chances. Maybe it wasn't the best performance but it was a great game to have under our belts as we have another difficult one with Holland in March.

"To play against a team of Argentina's calibre was great preparation for that."

And as he revealed to Rangers TV, the Scotland captain had a brief encounter with Argentina legend Maradona.

Ferguson said: "I stood beside him and I wasn't going to go over and speak to him as he can't speak English - my English isn't the best either! So it wouldn't have been a great conversation! But it was a great experience to stand next to the guy."

Fergie is confident he will be back to his best in no time. He said: "I'm feeling fine. I said from the start that it would take five or six games to get into my stride but I feel with each game that I am getting stronger. Now it is about getting as many games in as I possibly can."