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Last Updated: Saturday, 9 October, 2004, 17:52 GMT 18:52 UK
Scotland player ratings

Marks out of 10 for Scotland in their World Cup qualifier against Norway in Glasgow.

Scotland

Craig Gordon: The 21-year-old Hearts goalkeeper played with more confidence than he had against Slovenia but was caught out for the cross and header that led to the winning penalty.


Gary Caldwell: The Hibernian defender is not a natural full-back and was exposed a couple of times early on by John Carew and Magne Hoseth. But there is no questioning Caldwell's commitment or skill and he improved as the game went on without being able to offer much as an attacking force when it was needed.


Andy Webster: The Hearts centre-back continues to mature at international level and looked assured throughout, even without the presence of his more experienced club partner, Steven Pressley.


Russell Anderson: Anderson only got his chance because of Pressley's illness, but the Aberdeen central defender was outstanding. Even when marking a striker - Carew - who towers above him in terms of height, his timely interceptions at times triggered memories of another former Dons international, Willie Miller.


Gary Naysmith: The Everton left-back was full of running as usual but was unable to provide as much going forward as he has in some previous internationals, perhaps because of his lack of club football.


Darren Fletcher: The Manchester United youngster could not be faulted for his work-rate and has a maturity beyond his years, but he was unable to conjure up the match-winning pass, despite all his obvious talent.


Barry Ferguson: The Blackburn Rovers and Scotland captain worked tirelessly to provide the creative spark in the centre of midfield but could not find the killer pass - or decisive run by his team-mates.


Gary Holt: The Norwich City man had an unglamorous role as the holding player in midfield. Stuck to his task well but failed to impose himself on the game and was replaced with Steven Thompson after 79 minutes.


Richard Hughes: Hughes was a surprise starter on the left of midfield considering he was called into the squad late. He worked hard but looked less than match-fit at times because of his lack of games for Portsmouth but provided Scotland's best moment when his half-hit shot was cleared off the line before he was replaced with Stephen Pearson after 62 minutes.


Paul Dickov: The Blackburn striker was tigerish as usual but lost the plot at times and was booked for a wild kick. Had one good turn and shot that was blocked by goalkeeper Thomas Myhre before Kenny Miller came on as 74th-minute substitute.


James McFadden: The Everton forward was full of neat flicks and turns without sufficiently hurting the Norway defence. Was sent off for instinctively handling Claus Lundekvam's net-bound header on the line to concede the penalty and his subsequent red card rules him out of the Moldova trip.


Substitutes

Stephen Pearson: The Celtic midfielder put in lots of effort after coming on for Hughes but was often outnumbered on the wing for the 10-man Scots, although he came close to latching on to a through-ball in the dying seconds.


Kenny Miller: Was given little time to influence the game, but the Wolverhampton Wanderers striker had one telling pass that almost set Pearson up for a last-ditch equaliser.


Steven Thompson: The Rangers striker was thrown on as Scotland desperately threw high balls into the box, but he did not receive a decent delivery from which to show his aerial strength.



SEE ALSO
Scotland 0-1 Norway
09 Oct 04  |  Internationals
Ferguson doubt for Moldova
09 Oct 04  |  Internationals
Vogts still upbeat
09 Oct 04  |  Internationals
Myhre offers Scots solace
09 Oct 04  |  Internationals



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