Source: Team_Talk
Iwelumo out to make an impression
Chris Iwelumo is looking for his first chance to impress Scotland boss Craig Levein against Sweden on Wednesday evening.[LNB] The big striker was an unused substitute in Levein's first game in charge of the national side, the 1-0 friendly win over the Czech Republic at Hampden in March.[LNB]However, a raft of withdrawals ahead of the Stockholm friendly mean the Burnley striker, who made a scoring debut for the Clarets in the 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the weekend, could feature at some point in what is the last game before the Euro 2012 qualification campaign begins next month.[LNB]The former Wolves man hopes to stake his claim for a starting place in the double-header against Lithuania and Liechtenstein.[LNB]He said: "I'm a confident, positive person and at the minute I'm in form.[LNB]"I have scored one goal in one, you can't ask any more than that and I've had a good five or six games in pre-season.[LNB]"Let's hope I can take it into Wednesday and if I get some chances then I will put them away.[LNB]"The gaffer wants to have a look at a few different partnerships and hopefully I will get a few minutes."[LNB]Scotland assistant manager Peter Houston played down the significance of the disruption to Levein's plans.[LNB]The Scots' squad flew out from Glasgow airport yesterday with six players missing after Lee McCulloch (viral infection), Alan Hutton (groin), Andy Webster (hamstring), Graham Dorrans (groin), David Marshall (elbow) and Scott Brown (foot) had to stand down, although the Hoops' skipper made the journey.[LNB]Levein had already lost number one keeper Craig Gordon to a broken arm and defender Gary Caldwell, who had two hip operations during the summer.[LNB]But Houston said: "It happens sometimes in international football.[LNB]"It just so happens that it is the week before the season starts so I'm sure the clubs will want the players back for next Saturday.[LNB]"What we have here is a good squad of players and when there are call-offs the manager looks for people to come in and do a job.[LNB]"And we have a squad who can do a good job in Sweden.[LNB]"We trained this morning and honestly, the squad was in great spirits, they are fit and the standard of football was fantastic.[LNB]"The result isn't the be-all and end-all in this particular game.[LNB]"However, we want to do well. We will work extremely hard and I think this squad is capable of getting a result in Sweden."
