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BUTCHER CAN TASTE FINALS PLACE
Terry Butcher believes Scotland go in to Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Norway in Oslo "tantalisingly close" to reaching the finals of a major tournament for the first time since 1998.
The Scots, who are second behind Group Nine winners Holland with seven points from five games, flew out from Glasgow airport on Monday afternoon knowing victory in the Ullevaal Stadium would eliminate the Norwegians, who are bottom of the table.
It would also leave George Burley's side needing a win against Macedonia at Hampden next month to secure second spot and a possible play-off place for the finals in South Africa.
"Qualification is tantalisingly close," assistant boss Butcher said.
"It is a great opportunity for everybody.
"We're going there with one thought and that's to put in a good performance and get those three points.
"The play-offs are so close for us and we have to make sure that we get there.
"Three wins would definitely get us into the play-offs but it's our last away match in the group and we want to go to Norway - like we did to Iceland - nice and positive and try to get those three points.
"At the moment, it's one of the best (chances Scotland have had to qualify) but we'll wait and see."
While a draw would probably leave Scotland looking for two home wins to clinch the play-off spot, Butcher insist Burley will set out to get the win.
"Look at George's sides: they are positive," he said.
"We went to Iceland and played two wingers and got the result, despite injuries and call-offs.
"There are no excuses now, no call-offs so we can look forward to a full squad in training.
"We know what's expected of us; we also know that the Norwegians have to win all three matches to stand any chance of getting into the play-offs, so they'll be going for it.
"But, at the same time, we're very confident after the Iceland match.
"It was a good performance in that game under the circumstances.
"We managed to get a good result and put ourselves in a strong position with two home matches to come."
Most of the interest around team selection is centred on which goalkeeper Burley will pick in the absence of the injured Craig Gordon and banned Allan McGregor.
Neil Alexander and David Marshall are vying for the number one slot with both keepers having their supporters.
Butcher is confident Burley will not shirk from making the decision, although he admits "gut feeling" will probably play a part in the final selection.
"He won't be afraid of making those decisions," Butcher said. "He makes bold decisions; he's always done that in his career and he's done so with Scotland in the past.
"There's a lot of gut feeling that comes into management.
"I know it's not an exact scientific formula.
"Sometimes, your gut feelings are your best feelings.
"But that's down to George, and his gut feelings in the past have been very good."
Butcher added: "He's positive, more positive than ever.
"So, whoever he picks in goal, whoever he picks in the starting XI and the subs as well, everybody's going to go out there with one thing in mind: to get the right result."
Terry Butcher believes Scotland go in to Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Norway in Oslo "tantalisingly close" to reaching the finals of a major tournament for the first time since 1998.
The Scots, who are second behind Group Nine winners Holland with seven points from five games, flew out from Glasgow airport on Monday afternoon knowing victory in the Ullevaal Stadium would eliminate the Norwegians, who are bottom of the table.
It would also leave George Burley's side needing a win against Macedonia at Hampden next month to secure second spot and a possible play-off place for the finals in South Africa.
"Qualification is tantalisingly close," assistant boss Butcher said.
"It is a great opportunity for everybody.
"We're going there with one thought and that's to put in a good performance and get those three points.
"The play-offs are so close for us and we have to make sure that we get there.
"Three wins would definitely get us into the play-offs but it's our last away match in the group and we want to go to Norway - like we did to Iceland - nice and positive and try to get those three points.
"At the moment, it's one of the best (chances Scotland have had to qualify) but we'll wait and see."
While a draw would probably leave Scotland looking for two home wins to clinch the play-off spot, Butcher insist Burley will set out to get the win.
"Look at George's sides: they are positive," he said.
"We went to Iceland and played two wingers and got the result, despite injuries and call-offs.
"There are no excuses now, no call-offs so we can look forward to a full squad in training.
"We know what's expected of us; we also know that the Norwegians have to win all three matches to stand any chance of getting into the play-offs, so they'll be going for it.
"But, at the same time, we're very confident after the Iceland match.
"It was a good performance in that game under the circumstances.
"We managed to get a good result and put ourselves in a strong position with two home matches to come."
Most of the interest around team selection is centred on which goalkeeper Burley will pick in the absence of the injured Craig Gordon and banned Allan McGregor.
Neil Alexander and David Marshall are vying for the number one slot with both keepers having their supporters.
Butcher is confident Burley will not shirk from making the decision, although he admits "gut feeling" will probably play a part in the final selection.
"He won't be afraid of making those decisions," Butcher said. "He makes bold decisions; he's always done that in his career and he's done so with Scotland in the past.
"There's a lot of gut feeling that comes into management.
"I know it's not an exact scientific formula.
"Sometimes, your gut feelings are your best feelings.
"But that's down to George, and his gut feelings in the past have been very good."
Butcher added: "He's positive, more positive than ever.
"So, whoever he picks in goal, whoever he picks in the starting XI and the subs as well, everybody's going to go out there with one thing in mind: to get the right result."