World Cup blow for Scots, with Miller set to pull out of squad

Published on Monday 6 October 2008 21:44

KENNY Miller is on the brink of a shock call-off from Scotland's World Cup squad.

The Rangers striker looks set to leave national team George Burley with a massive headache this morning after picking up a knock in the 1-0 defeat from St Mirren at Love Street on Sunday.

Miller was almost certain to start the crucial Group 9 encounter against Norway at Hampden on Saturday, but it now looks odds-on he will be sidelined.

He managed to last the full 90 minutes against the Paisley outfit. However, a leg knock has stiffened and he isn't likely to overcome it in time for Saturday's match.

Burley watched Miller score two goals in the 4-2 win over Celtic last month and was at Easter Road again nine days ago when the striker hammered in another two against Hibs in a 3-0 triumph. And it was Miller who netted in Burley's international managerial debut in the 1-1 draw with Croatia in the friendly at Hampden last season.

His enforced absence may now open the door for Wolves frontman Chris Iwelumo to make an unexpected debut at the weekend.

Burley sprung a surprise when he named the 30-year-old former St Mirren player in his squad last week. Iwelumo was never expected to start on Saturday, but he could now find himself catapulted straight into the team in a must-win confrontation.

Options up front have already been limited by the retirement from international football of Rangers striker Lee McCulloch, who is on his way back from injury. However, he has was able to name six strikers in his squad for this match, and as well as Iwelumo he still has James McFadden, Kris Boyd, Steven Fletcher and David Clarkson.

Nevertheless Miller's absence is a big blow to Burley's plans. With 11 goals in 40 games for Scotland he is the second top scorer in the squad, two goals behind McFadden – who was dropped by his club Birmingham City on Saturday.

Burley is already without three leading players in the shape of captain Barry Ferguson (injured), stand-in captain Stephen McManus (suspended) and full-back Alan Hutton (injured).

Burley was yesterday considering his selection options, with midfield pair Kevin Thomson and Kris Commons struggling with injuries. "It is unusual for us because it is usually at least five or six (out] by now, running up to eight or nine later on," said assistant manager Terry Butcher.

"That's why George named a 25 man squad rather than 23. We will wait and see who is out and who is doubtful. If we need to bring people in then we will do that."

Norway have concerns over key players too, with striker John Carew also picking up a knock when on club duty on Sunday. The Aston Villa player is not expected to train for two or three days as he recovers, leaving a question mark over his participation on Saturday's match. Carew's absence would be a big loss for Norway, because he is on form at the moment with five goals in ten games for Villa this season.

The Norwegians also have problems in midfield. Former captain Martin Andresen is set to undergo groin surgery in Germany today and will definitely miss the Hampden Park clash.

Head coach Age Hareide could also be without two more midfielders. Per Ciljan Skjelbred suffered a knee injury playing for Rosenborg on Sunday, with an initial diagnosis suggesting the 21-year-old will be out for between five and six weeks.

Fellow midfielder Bjorn Helge Riise is also doubtful after he did not play for his club, Lillestrom, on Sunday due to injury.

Norway have still to decide whether Rosenborg striker Steffen Iversen, who has a leg problem, will be fit enough to travel to Glasgow.

The injury deluge is bad news for the under-fire Hareide, who said: "A lot of things have happened this weekend.

"I can't give a clear answer as to how we solve these problems."