Bhoys Brigade

[Daver]

BHOYS BRIGADE

This Saturday, Hampden Park will stage the third game of Scotland’s campaign to appear in 2010 World Cup in South Africa as they play against Norway. After a desperately disappointing performance and 1-0 loss away to Macedonia, some pride was restored with a away victory against an Icelandic team inspired by Barcelona ace Eidur Gudjohnsen. Scottish manager George Burley will realise the significance that this next game holds – many pundits, including the heralded Billy McNeil, have already stated that a win is essential for our hopes of progression. Clearly much expectation will rest on the shoulders of Celtic’s team representatives if this requirement is to be fulfilled:

Defender Gary Caldwell, plagued by criticism in the past, has performed admirably in club colours over the last year, and is certain to start against the Norwegians where he will face the renowned danger that Aston Villa striker John Carew poses. The end result of this qualifier may well depend on how well Caldwell manages to shackle Carew's undoubted aerial threat.

After a slow start to his Celtic career, central midfielder Scott Brown has produced a number of eye-catching displays this season, and with Burley a clear fan of his abilities, he appears to be a certain starter. Much will be demanded of Brown in front of a passionate home crowd, and he will eager not to thwart these expectations.

Although normally considered a central midfielder also, Barry Robson showed his versatility at the weekend when stepping in to the left-back berth against Hamilton. While he is not guaranteed a start on Saturday, his grit and determination are valuable assets that should see him make an appearance at some stage during proceedings.

Paul Hartley may also find a place on the bench if Burley keeps faith with the same system used to gun down Iceland - with Scott Brown likely to be accompanied by Manchester United's Darren Fletcher and West Brom's James Morrison. He too will be hopeful of an appearance in the latter stages of proceedings; especially if Scotland are looking to protect what would undoubtedly be a crucial lead.

Finally, winger Shaun Maloney – a recent acquisition from Carew’s Villa team - will be hopeful of a start against the Norwegians. His undoubted pace and trickery will be sure to cause the opposition defence problems aplenty, and Burley will be heavily reliant on him to dissect a team renowned for sitting deep and hitting teams on the break.

A crucial match for our qualification ambitions, with nothing less than victory ultimately acceptable. A tense environment is expected, and the hopes and aspirations of the nation will rest squarely on the shoulders of the players during what promises to be a nail-biting 90 minutes of action.