I'm so sorry for horror miss, says Scots striker Chris Iwelumo

Oct 12 2008 By Gordon Waddell

HEARTBROKEN Chris Iwelumo last night said sorry to the nation for the horror miss that crippled Scotland's World Cup dream. The Wolves hitman's blunder, shooting wide of an empty net from only three yards in the 0-0 draw with Norway, will go down as one of the worst misses in Scottish football history.

The result leaves boss George Burley facing an uphill battle to qualify from Group Nine after dropping five points in the first three qualifiers.

But debut boy Iwelumo was man enough to face the music after his Hampden heartache and admit he blew it.

The striker sighed: "It's a heartbreaker. I came into the dressing-room afterwards and apologised to the boys - they were all fantastic with me.

"I was confident when the ball came in - all I was hoping was that I wasn't offside.

"I was more shocked than anyone that I'd missed it. I even watched the replay on the big screen as well.

"The chance is massive for everyone. It will be the talking point and it guts me. But that's part and parcel of football - you get highs and lows.

"All the family were here and I'm sure I'll be getting more questions about it.

"I've recorded the game at home as well and will watch it. I'll have to deal with it but this will only make me stronger.

"When I have time to myself it will definitely be on my mind though."

Iwelumo - on as a second-half sub - insists he didn't let the miss affect the rest of his game.

With seconds left he came within inches of redeeming himself but couldn't get a foot to Kirk Broadfoot's cross.

The 30-year-old said: "I just had to hope another chance came my way.

"Myself and Steven Fletcher threw ourselves at the cross late on but the ball just had too much on it and it wasn't to be."

Scotland are now just one point ahead of Macedonia and two ahead of Norway having played a game more.

And Iwelumo hopes his costly miss doesn't mean he earned his first and last cap yesterday.

He said: "Hopefully I did enough with other aspects of my play - being a target man, holding the ball up - to stay involved with the squad.

"I did pretty well in those areas - even if that one chance does take the limelight away from everything else.

"The manager spoke to me and so did all the boys. They commented on how I did.

"There's disappointment but I have to try to stay positive.

"That's what I have been doing this season and I've bagged eight goals in six starts for Wolves.

"But I'm still surprised to be standing here talking to you about the position I'm in.

"The desire is there for me to get back. I've loved every second this week and want to be part of future squads.

"I want to show people what I'm all about."