Wilson looks for springboard into Rangers team as Scots face crunch
0 Wilson in actionfor Rangers during the 1-0 win over Atletic Mineiro in the Florida Cup in January.
NORWAY v SCOTLAND
Final against Inverness because he was cup tied anyway.
But he knows Murty will be keeping a close eye on his development.
Wilson said: “To be playing for Dumbarton in a first-team environment is a great for me and a brilliant learning experience.
“To get Championship experience with them is helping me. We’re in a relegation battle just now but I am enjoying it and this will aid my career.
“Graeme Murty told me to go out on loan and get some games under my belt and we will see where I am in six months time.
“Hopefully, this experience will help me get into the Rangers first team.
“Graeme has done a great deal of work with me over the past two years really. He’s improved me a lot as a player and hopefully he has faith in me.
“When you look at someone like David Bates who has done really well and is a firstteam regular and hopefully I can follow his pathway.”
Scotland won’t find it easy today against the Norwegians, who stunned Germany by thrashing them 5-2 in their own backyard.
But, after Celtic starlet Jack Aitchison’s superb double against Holland in Arnsberg on Saturday, Wilson insists Scotland fear no one now. He said: “You can’t ask for much more than beating Holland 2-0 and it was deserved because all the lads put in a great shift.
“Holland were a good team who moved the ball quickly but we were compact and we defended well.
“We need to beat Norway now and see what happens with the other game but it won’t matter unless we win our game.
“You look at Norway’s last game where they beat Germany 5-2 in their own country so that just shows what they are all about. They are clearly a very good team.
“We’ll have a good look at them and study them and see what their strengths and weaknesses are.
“I partnered Ryan Porteous in the first game and Robbie Deas in the second game and I enjoyed partnering them both.
“And no matter who is picked, I believe we have the players who can get us to the Finals.”
Manager Park has warned his players what to expect from Norway.
He said: “Norway are probably thinking the same as us – they only need to beat Scotland in their last game to qualify.
“They are a very, very good side. They actually missed a few chances against Germany before they started scoring their goals, so that gives you an indication of what they are like.
“But our boys believe they can beat them and if we perform to our best abilities, like we did against Holland, we can win.” Celtic will play a Republic of Ireland XI in Scott Brown’s testimonial, with part of the money raised going towards Liam Miller’s family.
A statement from Celtic confirmed that former Scotland captain Brown had chosen “various charities and causes” that he wished to benefit from the proceeds, including relatives of former Celtic and Republic of Ireland midfielder Miller, who passed away last month after being diagnosed with cancer towards the end of last year.
Liverpool had been slated as possible opponents for the Celtic captain’s testimonial, but Jurgen Klopp’s side withdrew their availability.
Martin O’neill, who led Celtic to three SPL titles, three Scottish Cups and one Scottish League Cup, as well as the UEFA Cup final in 2003, will return to Parkhead with an Irish select on 20 May, the day after the Scottish Cup final.
Brown, whose 50 international caps earned him a spot in the SFA Hall of Fame, is on course to win an eighth Scottish title in his eleventh season with Celtic.
Hailing his influential club captain, Brendan Rodgers said: “When I became Celtic manager, I ensured one of my first jobs was to meet Scott, as we discussed our plans for the future. He is a hugely important figure at the club and someone who I have been privileged to work with.
“With a tremendous will to succeed in everything he does, he is someone who we know we can depend on and a man who has been the most influential player in Scottish football for some time.
“I know he is greatly appreciated by our supporters who see week in, week out, the energy, passion and commitment he gives to Celtic. We will be delighted to take part in this match to honour a great man and a great Celtic captain.”