WOLVERHAMPTON Wanderers striker Chris Iwelumo will put that gilt-edged debut miss behind him when he joins Scotland next week hoping for his second cap.
Putting it down to one of those things the big striker went on from his miss just after coming on as a substitute against Norway to record an impressive first senior international.
And, to prove it was no more than a blip, Iwelumo has found the net twice in six Wolves games since, continuing his impressive partnership with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.
His form has not escaped George Burley who called him up again for Scotland’s clash against Argentina at Hampden Park on Wednesday.
Iwelumo said: “I’m delighted I’ve stayed in the squad, I’m buzzing. Everyone wants to represent their country and I’m no different. What happened last time has gone – I’m going with a clean slate in my head and have just got to go there and prove myself.
“I thought I did OK last time and of course it would have been nice to have topped it off with a goal but it wasn’t to be.”
The 30-year-old will not be putting any extra pressure on himself and said: “I came back last time and have scored a couple for Wolves and that’s all I can do – keep doing what I’m doing for the club.If that opens the door for me with Scotland I’ve got to make sure I take my chance. It’s good I’ve got another opportunity and it’s up to me to take it.
“The first goal is always the hardest as I’ve found out. It’s just one of those things, I’m sure it will come but I’ve got to make sure I’m doing the other parts of my game. If it comes, when it comes, it will be a great day and hopefully it might just be Wednesday.”
As an added incentive for next week’s friendly Argentina are coached by Diego Maradona and Iwelumo said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to play against a fantastic team. It being Maradona’s first game in charge of Argentina also adds something to the game – I’m sure it will also add a few thousand to the gate.
“The man’s a legend, probably the best footballer that’s ever been, and it’s going to be a fantastic occasion.”
First though comes Saturday’s trip to Southampton in the Championship.
“I’m looking forward to it and am focused on getting myself flying for Wolves on Saturday and then meeting up with the boys after that.”
n Hereford United have signed Wolves goalkeeper Matt Murray on a one-month emergency loan deal.
The 27-year-old, whose last game for the Black Country club was back in May 2007, is currently looking to build up his match fitness having been sidelined with shoulder and cruciate knee ligament injuries for over a year.
