This is golden chance
Kevin Nicol has watched Norwa y ’ s golden generation emerge but insists Scotland would have nothing to fear in a Euro play-off.
The ex-Hibs midfielder has been based in Norway for 13 years as a player with Stromsgodset, Haugesund and FK Moss, boss at FK Asker and a player development manager at Mjondalen.
He has seen real talents burst on to the scene, with Erling Braut Haaland the hottest striker on the planet right now, Martin Odegaard starting to realise his potential on loan at Real Sociedad from Real Madrid and Sander Berge winning admirers at Sheffield United.
The prospect of facing Lars Lagerback’s charges in a Euro play-off at some stage appears a daunting one for Scotland but Nicol is adamant Steve Clarke could approach the tie with confidence.
If Scotland beat Israel and Norway see off Serbia the nations will meet in a-winner-takes-all clash in Oslo for a place at next summer’s showpiece.
Nicol said: “With Erling Braut Haaland, Martin Odegaard and Sander Berge, it’s a talented young generation.
“You can also include players like Joshua King, who is performing to a high level with Bournemouth, and of course Kristoffer Ajer at Celtic. In terms of how that match would be played, I actually think it would suit Scotland.
“It would be a very British style of football and something many of Steve Clarke’s players would be familiar with.
“Lars Lagerback has shown with Iceland and Sweden he can organise a tight 4- 4-2 and I reckon it would be a close tie.
“Norway’s weakness is in the central defensive area and Scotland would have a real chance.
“Let’s hope both sides get through their initial ties and the game comes to fruition.”