Butcher starts with Hampden roar

Scotland assistant manager challenges players to show some bravery and bottle against Norway

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Terry Butcher has challenged Scotland to demonstrate ‘bravery and bottle’ in their first home game of the World Cup qualifying campaign against Norway on Saturday.

George Burley’s men have had mixed results, opening with a demoralising defeat in Macedonia before leaving Iceland with an impressive victory.

Butcher has no doubts about the Scots’ ability to put another three points on the board at Hampden this weekend but only if the mental approach to the game is right.

With Holland favourites to top Group 9, Norway are regarded as Scotland’s biggest competitors for the coveted runners-up spot.

But assistant manager Butcher insisted: “Our toughest opposition is ourselves because, if we’re not in the right frame of mind for any match, then we can struggle.

“Lessons have been learned from Macedonia, particularly in the first half, and they were learned in Iceland as well.

“It’s a home match and we want to win our home games. We want to give it all we can on Saturday.

“Norway should have beaten Iceland when they drew 2-2, they had plenty of opportunities, dominated possession and Iceland didn’t have many attacks on goal and yet scored two goals.

“So there is hope for us, but they are a good side, big and strong. But it’s up to ourselves and how we approach the game.

“If we really want to win on Saturday, then I think we can.

“We all know what we can do, but it’s about having the bravery and the bottle to go out on the pitch and do it.”

Burley was the target of criticism following the reverse in Macedonia before demonstrating his strength of character with a brave approach to the Iceland game, which paid off with a win.

The Scotland manager is now likely to find himself under pressure once again as he prepares for his first competitive home game in front of a sold-out Hampden.

Butcher said: “Everybody is excited and we have to make the players believe they can win the game and perform to the best of their abilities.

“It’s about confidence. We are still at an early stage but the players have played a double-header, they know what it’s all about. Hopefully, after Saturday we will be in a good, strong position.

“It’s up the staff and the players, in the few days we have together, to make sure we are mentally right for the game and make sure we approach it properly.

“The players will be physically fit, that’s not a problem.

“Mentally, it’s about ‘This is our kingdom, this is our place, and teams should come here and fear us’ – hopefully, they will do on Saturday.”

With Barry Ferguson still injured and stand-in captain Stephen McManus suspended for the visit of Norway, Burley has yet to decide who will shoulder the responsibility of leading out the team.