John Carew tells Chris Iwelumo: You'll get over it

Oct 12 2008 Gavin Berry

World Cup Carew Tells Chris: I've Had Share Of Howlers

NORSE hotshot John Carew last night told shattered Scots striker Chris Iwelumo: Don't worry, I've bounced back from a howler.

Iwelumo blew a cast-iron chance to become an instant national hero by incredibly blasting wide of an open goal from close range.

The amazing miss will be talked about for years but Carew reckons Scotland debut boy Chris will recover from his nightmare - just as he has done from his own shocker.

Towering Aston Villa hitman Carew told of his miss for former club Valencia in a Champions League tie against Ajax that did not stop him from enjoying an impressive career.

He said: "I missed a similar chance for Valencia in a Champions League tie against Ajax but the ball bounced and went over the bar.

"But what I would say is Chris shouldn't think about it too much. It happens in football.

"You miss sometimes in training and you don't want to miss them in a game but it happens to everyone.

"The ball bounced in front of the player and it's a difficult situation when that happens, you never know if it's going to bounce to the left, right or straight.

"I felt for him, although of course I'm happy he didn't score.

"We could have scored a couple of goals but we can't complain because Scotland had the biggest opportunity.

"We were hoping for three points and we had a good chance. But the ball just wouldn't go in and it seemed like Scotland had the same problem!"

Carew also believes he should have had a penalty when Rangers stopper Davie Weir grabbed him inside the box but Swiss referee Massimo Busacca waved his appeals away.

The striker said: "He dragged me down and I tried to demonstrate clearly to the referee I didn't commit any foul.

"The referee said it was borderline and he chose not to do anything - but if it happened again he would blow for a penalty. I spoke to him at half time and that's what he told me. But I thought it was a penalty.

"It didn't happen and in the end it didn't affect the match."

Carew was denied several times by Craig Gordon and he admitted the Sunderland keeper played a big part in the draw.

The Norwegian star said: "He was good and made some good saves.

"He had a big part in Scotland not losing but I can't forget the big chance at the other end so it would be unfair for me to say we should have won.

"I know Craig from the Premiership and he showed how good he is."

Carew spent the build-up to yesterday's game being wound up by former Scotland international John Robertson who is now assistant to Martin O'Neill at Villa.

Robbo had been singing Flower Of Scotland to to the big striker all week and it was again ringing in his ears before the match.

But Carew reckons the fact the match ended in a draw keeps them both happy.

He said: "I had some banter with John who was desperate for Scotland to win, just as I was for Norway.

"But we can both be satisfied and return to teaming up and doing what we can for Aston Villa."