Iversen facing late fitness test in bid to beat leg injury

Published on Friday 10 October 2008 23:24

NORWAY head coach Age Hareide will give Steffen Iversen every chance of making today's crucial 2010 World Cup qualifier against Scotland.

The former Tottenham striker has been struggling with a leg injury, but took part in a training session at Hampden Park yesterday afternoon.

Iversen, now playing for Rosenborg, was all but ruled out of the Group 9 encounter earlier in the week but appeared to suffer no ill-effects from yesterday's workout.

However, afterwards Hareide remained cautious, saying: "We will see how he reacts after training but he is a doubt.

"I don't have all the information about his treatment but we will speak to the doctors and he will have a short test in the morning.

"He would be a big loss for us and he was positive this morning, but we have another game in a few days and we will take no chances because he could be ruled out for a long time."

Hareide was also coy about speculation that 33-year-old Stabaek goalkeeper Jon Knudsen will make his debut at the expense of 24-year-old Rune Jarstein, who shouldered much of the blame for last month's 2-2 draw with Iceland.

The Norway head coach admits the goalkeeping position has been a problem, but insists whoever is between the sticks will be able to cope with the traditional passion generated by 52,000 Tartan Army foot soldiers at Hampden.

"We tested the three goalkeepers today and we have decided who is going to be in goal," Hareide said.

"We have told the keeper, but we will announce it before kick-off. Goalkeeping has been a problem for us this year. We were very solid in the last qualification campaign but we conceded goals against Iceland to goalkeeping mistakes. But we are not just looking at goalkeeping – maybe we should be protecting him better.

"We have been working on this and you will see a more concentrated Norway side. And whichever goalkeeper is picked is capable of handling the situation."

Despite their surprise draw at home to Iceland in their group opener, Hareide insists the pressure is all on George Burley's team, who have three points from a possible six after their first two qualifiers in Macedonia and Iceland.

The Norway manager also insists his players should be grateful of the chance to play at a packed Hampden Park.

"The pressure is on Scotland, they are the home team," he said.

"And they lost the last game they played against us at Hampden.

"It was an even game but, thankfully, it favoured us with a 1-0 win.

"Naturally, I hope that win will be a psychological boost for us.

"There will be 52,000 fans at Hampden and this is what football is all about. There should be grounds like this all over the world. The players should thank God that we will be playing there.

"But the most important thing for us is that we get the three points."

PROFILES

JON KNUDSEN

In line to win his first cap for his country after Rosenborg incumbent Rune Jarstein came under fire for his performance in the draw with Iceland. The experienced 30-year-old Stabaek goalkeeper has impressed this season.

JON INGE HOILAND

Solid no-nonsense defender who also plays for Stabaek after an unsuccessful spell in Germany with Kaiserslautern. Also has experience of Danish league and sampled Swedish football with IFK Gothenburg and Malmo, so expect the stereotypical Scandinavian-style defender.

KJETIL WAEHLER

Former Wimbledon defender spent three seasons in England between 1999 and 2002 before returning to Norwegian sides Moss and Valerenga. The 32-year-old has considerable European experience, including Uefa Cup and Champions League qualifying matches.

BREDE HANGELAND

Won 45 caps for his country, the giant Fulham defender is a major aerial threat. He was actually born in Houston, Texas, to a Norwegian oil refinery worker who soon headed back to Scandinavia, where his son began developing a penchant for football.

JOHN ARNE RIISE

Helped Liverpool win the Champions League in 2005, Roma full-back Riise is a set-piece specialist with a lethal left foot.

DANIEL BRAATEN

Quick winger also had a stint in the Premier League with Bolton. Found it tough and switched to French outfit Toulouse. With pace to burn, could easily trouble Scotland if he is on his game.

CHRISTIAN GRINDHEIM

Heerenveen midfielder is a young and talented player known for his precise and accurate shots. Likes to occupy a central midfield role but will attack whenever possible. Considered one of the Norway's future international regulars.

ALEXANDER TETTEY

Born in Accra, Ghana, the Rosenborg player has been linked with a move to the Old Firm in the past. He is now a naturalised Norwegian and has been capped for the country's under-18, under-19 and under-21 national teams as well as the full side.

FREDRIK WINSNES

Spent a season with Celtic's Champions League rivals Aalborg before joining Norwegian side Stromsgodset. The 32-year-old made a comeback for the Norwegian national team in a friendly match against Ireland in August, almost five years since his last appearance.

FREDRIK STROMSTAD

The 26-year-old Le Mans midfielder has been compared to former Norwegian ace Erik Mykland because of his battling qualities.

JOHN CAREW

Norway's star man poses the biggest threat. The striker has 21 goals in 71 caps and will provide David Weir and Gary Caldwell a stringent examination.