Van Persie in the frame as Scots' rivals clash

Published on Wednesday 15 October 2008 10:22

STRIKER Robin van Persie is in contention to start as Scotland's World Cup Group Nine qualifying rivals, Norway and Netherlands, clash in Oslo tonight.

The Dutch striker pulled out earlier this week with hamstring problems but will be tested to see if he can join the team that beat Iceland 2-0 on Saturday to top the group with six points after two matches. Nigel de Jong and John Heitinga both missed the match against the fourth-placed Norwegians, who have two points after two matches, due to knee injuries.

The Dutch will travel to Norway with confidence and the knowledge that a third successive win will put them firmly in the driving seat, five points ahead of second-placed Scotland. Wesley Sneijder is fit for the match, although coach Bert van Marwijk will handle the midfielder with care as he has just recovered from a knee injury.

"Sneijder has not played a match for two months and I will take that in consideration," Van Marwijk told reporters.

Norway need a win to fight back in the group after drawing against Iceland and Scotland so far.

The other match in Group Nine sees Macedonia travel to Iceland.