Iceland are not a one man team

Sep 7 2008 By Mark Guidi

World Cup

SCOTLAND spy Paul Hegarty will warn George Burley and his players that Iceland are not all about Eidur Gudjohnsen.

The former Aberdeen gaffer has been compiling a dossier on our World Cup group opponents and will pass on his knowledge this evening at the team's Loch Lomond base.

Gudjohnsen is the big name in the Iceland side but Hegarty has insisted there is more to them than the Barcelona star.

Iceland have yet to beat Scotland in four attempts in previous qualifiers but Hegarty recognises they now pose a real threat.

He said: "I watched Iceland win in Slovakia 2-0. Gudjohnsen scored the first goal and played so well.

"They lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation and that's the way they started in last month's friendly at home to Azerbaijan who are now managed by Berti Vogts.

"However, Gudjohnsen played as an attacking midfielder and took the game by the scruff of the neck.

"Iceland also switched to 4-4-2 in the final 25 minutes.

"Gudjohnsen features heavily for them and is dangerous at attacking set-pieces but they are not totally reliant on him.

"They have talent dotted around their side. They are well organised, robust and organised.

"However, like every team, they are not perfect. Slovakia should have been three up by half-time but failed to take their chances."

Hegarty is delighted to be involved with the national set-up and hopes he can play his part in a win on Wednesday evening in Iceland.

The 51-year-old former Dundee United and Scotland defender said: "It's great to be given this opportunity by George. The call came right out of the blue and I was really chuffed.

"I will see the management team on Sunday and answer any questions.

"Iceland are no mugs and will not be easy to defeat. There are few games away from home that any nation can be certain of winning these days.

"You must work hard and get one or two breaks to win.

"But I'm sure George will have the team organised and ready as there is so much at stake in this one."