Carew says no to Norway

The striker has elected to concentrate on settling in to his new life in Italy where he is playing for Roma.

"A lot has happened to John," explained the player's agent, Per A.Flod.

"He has only just established himself in Rome and wants to focus on getting into the starting XI there."

Flod added: "He also has got some things to sort out in Valencia, so to join up with the Norway squad would have been disturbing to him right now."

Carew was sent home from the last Norway game after he was involved in a bust-up with compatriot John Arne Riise but his agent refutes stories that is the reason behind his withdrawal.

"There would have probably been some mess around that, but this game came at the wrong time regarding his recent move to Roma."