Smith puzzled by Norway jibe

Walter Smith is unimpressed by Norway coach Age Hareide’s dismissal of Scotland’s World Cup prospects.

Hareide expects Scotland’s goals to dry up in their make-or-break qualifiers against Belarus and Slovenia – reasoning they have managed to convert the only chances they have created in their last two fixtures.

With Norway still favourites to clinch the play-off place, Scotland coach Smith is bemused at Hareide’s interest in another team.

“I’d have thought at this stage Hareide would have been more concerned about his own side,” said Smith.

“Three shots on goal in the last two matches and three goals? Fair enough, but we scored two in Oslo – and I seem to remember we had more chances to score than the Norwegians.”