Norway coach Egil Olsen insists his side must take risks in their World Cup qualifier against Scotland to stand any chance of reaching next year’s finals.

Victory for George Burley’s men at the Ullevaal Stadium on Wednesday night would end the Norwegians’ qualification chances.

Olsen said: “We have to win this game, so we'll try hard. That means that we have to take bigger risks than normal.

“I watched Scotland against Iceland and they play a different game than we do. We play more direct than the Scots.

“They play more to foot and more shorter passes. They have good football players and good dribblers - they have types of players that we don't have.”

Meanwhile, striker John Carew has admitted his shock at Norway being just 90 minutes from World Cup elimination.

The Aston Villa striker said: “Our position is a bit surprising.

“We still have a theoretical chance to qualify. We have to try to get the result, although it is always tough against Scotland.”

The Scots currently lie in second in Group 9 behind Holland, who have already qualified.

Victory in Oslo would put the Tartan Army in pole position for a place in the play-off.