Scotland v Norway preview

Scotland go into tonight’s World Cup qualifier with Norway without Craig Gordon, who is still struggling with a back injury.

Manager George Burley will hand ‘keeper David Marshall a start, preffering the Cardiff man to his Rangers counterpart Neil Alexander.

“It’s a massive blow losing Craig but it gives someone else a chance,” Burley said, ahead of the Group Nine clash in Oslo.

Tottenham right back Alan Hutton will play, alongside Gary and Steven Caldwell and veteran Callum Davidson – benefitting from Sheffield United full back Gary Naysmith’s problems with injury.

The two Caldwells in training.

James McFadden has also been left out – with Burley preferring Kenny Miller upfront. Midfielder Scott Brown will play, despite only playing 25 minutes for Celtic after recovering from an ankle injury.

“Scott has trained well,” Burley, who is targeting a Play-Off place to qualify for South Africa 2010, said.

“Each day, he is getting stronger and I’m very pleased that he is available.”

But Burley added: “Scott has trained well. Each day, he is getting stronger and I’m very pleased that he is available.”

Stephen McManus, Gary Naysmith, Kirk Broadfoot, James Morrison, Barry Robson and Chris Iwelumo were all left out of the initial squad due to injury. But Burley is at least grateful that he has had none of his squad pull out due to injury: “It’s great that we have a full complement of players and that has not always been the case,” he said.

“Four players are missing from the last game against Iceland, but the 23 who are here are all fit and raring to go.”

Former captain Barry Ferguson and goalkeeper Allan McGregor were not considered for selection after their misbehaviour in Scotland’s last camp.

Brothers Gary and Steven Caldwell may not be the only brothers on show at the Ullevaal Stadion: Norway’s Roma defender John Arne Riise is likely to start at right back, and brother Bjorn – a recent Fulham signing – is hoping to play in midfield.