SCOTLAND manager George Burley is optimistic Norway's stuttering start to their World Cup qualification campaign can help his own team flourish when they meet at Hampden.
Norway were held to a 2-2 draw by Iceland in Oslo in their only qualifier so far.
Scotland won in Reykjavik four days later following their defeat in Macedonia to leave both sides desperate for three points on Saturday.
And Burley believes an
open game will be a good platform to continue developing his positive tactics.
The former Hearts boss responded to stinging criticism from some quarters following defeat in his first competitive game by making bold selections in personnel and tactics.
He dropped Kenny Miller and employed wingers Kris Commons and Shaun Maloney to provide the ammunition for James McFadden.
The move paid off emphatically and, despite losing Miller and Commons to hamstring injuries, Burley will seek to develop his approach in Scotland's first home game.
"With the five-team group, every game is crucial," Burley said. "And Norway, after drawing at home to Iceland, will probably come and try to win the match.
"So that will make it an open game and it will maybe suit us. Both teams will be desperate for the points."
Burley added: "We got a good win in Iceland, and we are developing the sort of style that I want – quick passing, movement, wing play.
"All these things give teams problems and hopefully we can keep it going."
The full article contains 253 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
