Wolverhampton Wanderers’ striker Chris Iwelumo hopes to make up for one of the biggest disappointments of his career when Scotland face Norway in their latest World Cup qualifier on Saturday.
The 30-year-old, who has scored eight goals in only seven games since moving to Molineux in the summer, is finally set to make his international debut at Hampden Park on Saturday - six years after missing out on a Scotland cap.
Then with Stoke City, the striker was called into the international group to tour the Far East in 2002 but because of club commitments - the Potters were involved in the play-offs at the time - he was forced to withdraw.
But that wait seems set to end following Rangers’ striker Kenny Miller’s hamstring injury and, although Birmingham City’s James McFadden is almost certain to start up front, Iwelumo has an outstanding chance of beating Steven Fletcher, David Clarkson and Kris Boyd to the second forward’s role.
“Stoke City reached the Second Division play-off final and they wanted me to stay,” Iwelumo said. “It was one of those things that I had to take on the chin. My patience has been rewarded, definitely.
“I’m positive, I’m a realist as well. I just thought I would do well for my club and hope that would open the door for me. I was involved with the Scotland B squad last November against the Republic of Ireland but basically that’s it so I’m delighted to be here, I’m really buzzing.”
Iwelumo also believes the installation of former Ipswich, Derby and Southampton manager George Burley as the man to replace Walter Smith was a key factor in his rise to the senior set up - “I was delighted with his (Burley’s) appointment because I knew he knew the Championship inside out so I thought he would definitely be keeping more of an eye on myself.”
Burley claimed he had not picked his team yet and would use the remaining training sessions to help find his best XI for Saturday’s game, which gives Iwelumo only a few days to impress.
“That’s part and parcel of being a footballer,” he said. “Everyone wants to play at the top level. I’ve got to go out and train my best every day, no matter what cause it’s for. It sets the benchmark. It’s up to myself to take that chance and make sure I do leave a lasting impression. If that’s what I do, hopefully I will be involved in further squads.”
Meanwhile, Wolves’ league fixture with Blackpool, which had been scheduled to take place at Bloomfield Road at 3pm on Sunday December 28, has been moved to Monday December 29 (7.45pm).
