Scotland should aim for top spot - Robson

Scotland midfielder Barry Robson believes his team-mates should still be aiming for top place in their World Cup qualifying group.

George Burley's side suffered an opening defeat against Macedonia, who then lost at home to Holland four days later.

The Scots kick-started their campaign with victory in Iceland on the same night but defeat against Norway on Saturday would leave them with an uphill struggle to even make a play-off spot.

However, Robson insists Scotland should be looking to upset the odds following their double over France in their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign and the Hampden Park play-off win against Holland in 2004.

The Celtic midfielder said: "We have got to try to make sure we finish top of the group.

"Everybody knows how strong and good Holland are, but with the players we have got, we can try and upset Holland at home.

"It has been done before and I think we can do it again. We are under no illusions how hard it's going to be. We know how good Holland are.

"It's a massive fight for first place and second place but we have got to try to believe we can upset Holland."

While Robson maintains a positive attitude on and off the pitch, he is realistic enough to know that defeat against the Norwegians would make qualification difficult.

And he realises Norway's home draw with Iceland in their only game so far will make them dangerous opponents.

"They won't be pleased," the former Dundee United skipper said. "They are a decent footballing nation as well, Norway, and have some right good players.

"It's a massive game for them as well, they are trying to stay in it.

"And if we lose it's not going to be too hot for us either. It's two teams going to be gung-ho, right up for it.

"We both need three points, so that should make for a special game."
Robson has started both qualifiers and was the midfielder who impressed most, even during defeat in Macedonia.

So the 29-year-old is justified in his confidence that he will start his first competitive match at Hampden.

But he has pledged to be prepared to come on and make an impact if he is on the bench.

"You have got to have belief in your own ability that you are going to start, it's the same at club level," he said.

"I have got that and I'm sure every other player in the squad has got that.

"But the thing is if you don't start, it's for your country and you have got to support everybody. That's what the guys here do.

"There is no malice in people if they don't play, they always stick together and make sure the country is going in the same direction.

"It doesn't matter if it's club football or international football, it's a squad game these days. There is no getting away from that.

"I know what it's like at my club just now, there are so many games, you need as many fit players as you can get, and you need options on the bench.

"Sometimes boys play and it doesn't happen for them, so you need guys to come in and do the business."

However, Robson admits he would rather not be installed at left-back again.

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan handed Robson a defensive role in Saturday's 4-0 win over Hamilton so the cultured midfielder is glad Gary Naysmith and Graham Alexander are both fit.

He added: "I see Jamie McAllister is here as well, that put a smile on my face!

"The manager asked me to do it because Lee Naylor was struggling. The manager knows what type of guy I am, I will play anywhere for anybody.
"But obviously I would like to be playing centre-midfield."

SCOTLAND v NORWAY: KEY BATTLES

Scotland face Norway in their first home game of the World Cup qualifying campaign at Hampden on Saturday.

George Burley's men have had mixed results so far – a defeat in Macedonia followed by a win in Iceland – and will be keen to put more points on the board this weekend.

DAVID WEIR v JOHN CAREW

Weir is set to be drafted into the heart of defence to partner Gary Caldwell in the absence of the suspended Stephen McManus. George Burley has already confirmed the Celtic duo as his preferred partnership but, with 61 appearances for the Scots, veteran defender Weir is a reliable alternative.

At 6ft 6in, Carew is quite literally Norway's biggest threat. The lofty striker has already bagged five goals for Aston Villa this season and is famous for his work-rate and determination in attack.

SCOTT BROWN v JOHN ARNE RIISE

Brown demonstrated his talent when he was deployed in the holding role against Iceland, almost certainly rubber-stamping his place in the manager's plans. However, the visit of Norway is likely to see the Hoops man return to more familiar territory on the right side of midfield.

Now plying his trade in Serie A with Roma, Riise is probably best known for the seven years he spent at Liverpool, making more than 200 appearances for the club. A versatile player, who can play either left midfield or at full-back, he could cause problems for the Scots.

JAMES MCFADDEN v BREDE HANGELAND

McFadden may have been dropped for Birmingham's win over QPR but is still likely to be the difference between winning and losing at national level. He claimed the winner in Iceland to hand Scotland their first points of the campaign and is likely to be the danger-man again.
Recently appointed captain of the national team, Hangeland is an experienced centre-half with almost 50 caps under his belt. After spells in Norway and Denmark, the defender signed for Fulham in January and netted his first goal for the club – the winner against Arsenal in August – suggesting he could also be an attacking threat at set-pieces against Scotland.