Iversen doubt for Norway

Norweigan star struggling for fitness

By Rob Carragher   Last updated: 10th October 2008

Steffen Iversen Rosenborg

Iversen: Back in training

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Norway manager Age Hareide will give star striker Steffen Iversen every chance of being involved against Scotland, but insists that he will not jeopardise the player's long-term fitness in doing so.

Iversen has been struggling with a shin injury and although the former Tottenham man has returned to training, Hareide is not confident that his forward will be fully fit for Saturday's clash with Scotland, which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1.

"We will see how he reacts after training but he is a doubt," said Hareide.

"I don't have all the information about his treatment, but we will speak to the doctors and he will have a short test in the morning.

"He would be a big loss for us and he was positive this morning, but we have another game in a few days and we will take no chances because he could be ruled out for a long time."

Problem

Hareide also has worries over the reliability of his goalkeeping options, with speculation rife that the Norway boss is set to hand a debut to 33-year-old Jon Knudsen.

First-choice keeper Rune Jarstein has come under fire for his mistakes in Norway's recent encounter with Iceland, but Hareide is keeping his cards close to his chest over who will start against Scotland.

"We tested the three goalkeepers today and we have decided who is going to be in goal," revealed the 55-year-old.

"We have told the keeper but we will announce it before kick-off.

"Goalkeeping has been a problem for us this year. We have been working on this and you will see a more concentrated Norway side.

"And whichever goalkeeper is picked is capable of handling the situation."

Pressure

Despite facing a number of serious problems in recent days, the Norway manager is confident that his team can go into the tie with nothing to lose.

"The pressure is on Scotland, they are the home team and they lost the last game they played against us at Hampden.

"There will be 52,000 fans at Hampden and this is what football is all about.

"But the most important thing for us is that we get the three points."