The Egil is branded!

SCOTLAND last night refused to enter into the war of words sparked by Norwegian boss Egil Olsen ahead of Tuesday's crunch World Cup clash in Bordeaux.

Olsen, linked with the vacant manager's job at Celtic, has questioned Craig Brown's tactical awareness, and called the Scots "the weakest team in the section".

But Brown, and his skipper Colin Hendry, would not be drawn on Olsen's taunts.

"I don't think he's been very diplomatic if he's said that," said Brown. "But if we are the weakest team in the group, then Norway can expect to beat us very comfortably.

"Norway's results leading up to the finals make them one of the best teams in the world.

"But I hope they may have peaked too early."

Brown says there is more to come from the Scots.

"We've been complimented by several coaches for the way we handled Brazil. I think we got our tactics right for the first game, and we'll do the same for this one.

"Our boys are desperate to get going. They'd play Norway today - that's how much they want to make up for the Brazil game."

Like his boss, captain Colin Hendry smiled to himself when asked about Olsen's outburst.

The Blackburn stopper countered: "Lets just say we're aware of the statements that have been made."

"We'll just carry on. You won't find us making such comments - we're far too proud and respectable to respond.

"Maybe after the third group game against Morocco we'll have something to say!"

The towering centre-back added: "You know that opinions don't matter. What matters ultimately is what happens on the pitch."

Having faced Ronaldo and co at the Stade de France - and come within 17 minutes of a memorable result against the champions - Hendry reckons Scotland can lift themselves for the Norway game.

"We have to because we know what happens if we don't. There is more to come from this team.

"Scotland are going to get better, and if we do that, we will outplay many a team.

"We have respect for Morocco, who are much higher ranked in the FIFA listings than we are. But we also think we can beat them.

"The Norwegians have a problem already after drawing with Morocco. If we beat them, they play Brazil next. And that's another team that will only get better."

One man crucial to the Scots' chances of overturning Norway is Hendry's Ewood Park team-mate Kevin Gallacher.

His six goals were crucial to the Scots' qualifying campaign.

And Gallacher, who will win his 38th cap against Norway, said: "People only judge you on your goals, and I'm desperate to score. I got 20 last season, but one in the World Cup finals would be a dream."

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