Robson sees room at the top

midfielder barry says scotland should be aiming to lead the way in group 9

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Scotland midfielder Barry Robson is confident his team-mates should still be aiming for top place in their World Cup qualifying group.

George Burley’s side suffered an opening Group 9 defeat against Macedonia, who then lost at home to Holland four days later.

The Scots got their campaign going with victory in Iceland on the same night, but defeat against Norway tomorrow would leave them with an uphill struggle to even make a play-off spot.

However, Inverurie-born Robson insists Scotland should be looking to upset the odds following their double against France in their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign and the Hampden Park play-off win against Holland in 2004.

The Celtic midfielder said: “We have got to try to make sure we finish top of the group.

“Everybody knows how strong and good Holland are but, with the players we have, we can try to upset the Dutch at home.

“It has been done before and I think we can do it again. We are under no illusions how hard it’s going to be. It’s a massive struggle for first and second place, but we have got to try to believe we can upset Holland.”

While former Caley Thistle and Dundee United midfielder Robson maintains a positive attitude on and off the pitch, he is realistic enough to know defeat against the Norwegians would make qualification difficult.

He said Norway’s home draw with Iceland in their only game so far will make them dangerous opponents.

He said: “They won’t be pleased. Norway are a decent footballing nation and have some good players. It’s a massive game for them as well, they are trying to stay in the group. If we lose it’s not going to be too good for us, either. It’s two teams going to be gung-ho, right up for it. We both need three points, so that should make for a special game.”

Robson has started both qualifiers and was the midfielder who impressed most, even during defeat in Macedonia. The 29-year-old is justified in his confidence he will start his first competitive match at Hampden but has pledged to be prepared to come on and make an impact if he is on the bench.

“You have got to have belief in your own ability that you are going to start, it’s the same at club level,” he said.

“I have got it and I’m sure every other player in the squad has got it. But if you don’t start, it’s for your country and you have got to support everybody. That’s what the guys here do.

“There is no malice in people if they don’t play, they always stick together and make sure the country is going in the same direction. It doesn’t matter if it’s club football or international football, it’s a squad game these days.

“I know what it’s like at my club, there are so many games and you need as many fit players as you can get. You need options on the bench. Sometimes people play and it doesn’t happen for them, so you need people to come in.”

However, Robson admits he would rather not be installed at left back again.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan handed Robson a defensive role in Saturday’s 4-0 win against Hamilton but the midfielder is glad Gary Naysmith and Graham Alexander are both fit.

He added: “I see Jamie McAllister is here as well, that put a smile on my face.

“The manager asked me to do it because Lee Naylor was struggling. The manager knows what type I am, I will play anywhere for anybody. But, obviously, I would like to be playing centre midfield.”