Brown had homework done

Scotland manager Craig Brown last night praised Craig Burley for remembering a Norwegian video to keep his country in the World Cup picture.

Brown and his players viewed Norway's France 98 opening 2-2 draw with Morocco on tape and the coach pointed out the spaces behind Egil Olsen's side's backline.

He told Darren Jackson, who started in central midfield, and Burley, who finished the match there, the runs they should make in pursuit of goals.

"With the pressure that we had we felt that we were the better team," said Brown. "Only in a short second-half spell did Norway present us with any problems at all and we believe we should have won the match.

"We said before the game we must try and score through the gaps they leave at the back. We knew they always play square.

"From watching the Morocco game together on video beforehand we recognised if we got the ball in behind them we could profit. Darren had a few chances, but when Craig's came he timed the forward run which led to the goal to perfection."