Scots hit by injuries

SCOTLAND manager Bertie Vogts is missing several first-choice players for the visit of Norway tonight.

Hearts’ Steven Pressley became the latest withdrawal late this week when he succumbed to a virus, while Portsmouth’s Nigel Quashie has already returned to his club and Neil McCann has also been ruled out.

The plethora of withdrawals means Vogts is under immense pressure in certain areas.

For instance, he may have to start either Celtic 19-year-old David Marshall or 21-year old Craig Gordon of Hearts in goal.

On the positive side, Vogts can call on Blackburn Rovers duo Barry Ferguson and Paul Dickov, and he’ll be hoping they can lift their colleagues to a much-needed win.

Some of them may need encouragement: Everton’s James McFadden has not started a Premiership game since the opening weekend loss to Arsenal, while since his sending off in August Gary Naysmith was been on the periphery at Goodison Park.

Norway coach Age Hareidee will be hoping his charges can oblige against a weakened Scottish outfit and Liverpool star John Arne Riise has spoken openly of his teammates' confidence in their ability to win.