Scotland squad announced for Norway clash

Scotland Manager George Burley named six Rangers players today in his 25-man squad for the World Cup Qualifier against Norway at Hampden on Saturday 11 October - namely Allan McGregor, Kirk Broadfoot, David Weir, Kevin Thomson, Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller.

Defending the inclusion of McGregor, despite the goalkeeper having lost his place in the Rangers team in recent weeks, Burley pointed out:

"He's only been missing for two weeks. He's a top-class goalkeeper who has been a regular in the squad."

Veteran central defender David Weir, at 38 the oldest in the squad, had impressed the Scotland Boss this season:

"He missed our last squad through injury, but is fresh and keen. I saw him at Easter Road last week, when he played very well."

Another Ranger to impress the Scotland Manager in Edinburgh was two-goal Kenny Miller:

" He scored two terrific goals at Easter Road. It always gives your team a boost when your strikers score. We have a good variety of strikers."

The inclusion of Kirk Broadfoot was no surprise after his scoring debut in Iceland last month:

"He did very well in Iceland. He has acquired considerable European experience with Rangers, and did very well last week at Easter Road.'

A former Light Blue favourite very much in Burley's mind was Alan Hutton, now of course with Tottenham Hotspur:

"He's back in training, but still a big miss."

Perhaps the major surprise in the squad was the presence of the uncapped forward Chris Iwelumo of Wolverhampton Wanderers, at the age of thirty:

"He's done very well this season, and scored eight goals. I knew him when he was at Colchester. We have a good nucleus of youth and experience. Everybody in the squad has a chance of playing."

Burley was at pains to stress the importance of the game:

"This is an important game for both countries. With only five teams in the group every match is crucial. Norway are a British-like side, with very good players like John Carew and Steffen Iversen. They will be disappointed to have drawn at home with Iceland, in a game they should have won.'