World Cup Qualifier, Group Nine: Norway v Scotland
Venue: Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo Date: Wed, 12 August Kick-off: 1800 BST
Coverage: Live on BBC Two, BBC Radio Scotland, Radio 5 live and BBC Sport website

Scotland manager George Burley admits preparations for the World Cup tie against Norway are not ideal after only 13 of his squad assembled on Friday.

Missing were players involved in the kick-off to this weekend's Championship and Darren Fletcher, who is due to play in Sunday's Community Shield.

Goalkeeper Jamie Langfield's arrival was delayed after he played for Aberdeen in Europa League qualifying.

"It is always nervy, but we usually have longer to prepare," said Burley.

"We have players playing over the weekend, so we have to keep our fingers crossed.

"If anyone gets a knock, it doesn't give them much time to get over it. We can just hope they come through."

David Marshall, Callum Davidson, Jamie McAllister, Kris Commons, Paul Hartley, David Clarkson and Ross McCormack are all likely to be involved as the Championship kicks off in England.

Norway are the ones who are under pressure Scotland manager George Burley

And skipper Fletcher opted to ignore Burley's appeal to rest ahead of Manchester United's Wembley meeting with Chelsea.

"With Darren, it is understandable," added Burley, who is without regulars Craig Gordon, Stephen McManus, Gary Naysmith, James Morrison and Barry Robson through injury.

"The boy is in an impossible position; he is playing a big match at Wembley and it is always difficult for places at Manchester United.

"The game will benefit him - as long as he doesn't get injured."

Scotland currently lie in second place behind Group Nine winners Netherlands with seven points from five games, while the Norwegians are bottom with just three points from the same number of matches.

And Burley believes victory in Oslo will give Scotland a huge boost in their bid to finish as one of the eight best runners-up, which would give them a play-off place.

"We have the advantage over them at the moment; we are in second position and they are bottom," he said.

"They are the ones who are under pressure.

"They need to win the game, but we will be going there to get the result for ourselves.

"If we could get a positive result, it would put us in pole position and we will go there and try and build from the last game against Iceland.

"I was pleased with the shape against Iceland; we had to win and we did and, if we go over there in the same manner, I think we can get the same result."

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