'Devastated' Miller backs strike pair

Published on Wednesday 8 October 2008 23:13

KENNY Miller is "absolutely devastated" at being forced to miss Scotland's World Cup qualifier with Norway – but backed James McFadden and Kris Boyd to fire them to victory on Saturday.

Rangers striker Miller pulled out of the squad for the Group 9 clash at Hampden with a hamstring injury which first flared up during last month's double-header against Macedonia and Iceland.

"Everyone knows how passionately I feel about playing for Scotland," the 28-year-old said. "So to have to sit this one out – a game that means so much – to be honest, I'm absolutely devastated."

He added: "I love playing for Scotland in these big matches in front of a full Hampden.

"But I have to accept I'll just have to sit this one out. This is something I have to do to try to get to the bottom of what's wrong with my hamstring."

Miller had an injection in his hamstring yesterday in a bid to clear up the niggling problem. But he has been warned if it does not work, he could suffer periodic problems for the rest of his career.

Miller's withdrawal has blunted manager George Burley's attacking option but the striker believes the squad boasts enough talent to cope.

"Faddy's record is fantastic.

Then you consider what Boydie has managed and you have to say it's staggering. He's only played 15 games for Scotland – and a lot of them have been as a sub – and yet he's racked up seven goals already."

Meanwhile, Fifa has told the SFA that it is willing to award McFadden Scotland's second goal against Iceland. Originally credited to Barry Robson,

Fifa will change its records if the SFA makes a case on McFadden's behalf.