Legends have their say

Oct 12 2008 By Kenny Macdonald

JIM BETT insists Scotland are missing Barry Ferguson's influential presence and warned the rest of the squad to step up and take some responsibility.

Ferguson watched in frustration from the stand as George Burley's men were held to a scoreless draw by Norway at Hampden.

Bett reckons Ferguson was badly missed as the Scots toiled and can't wait for his return to action. However, he also pointed out the Rangers skipper can't do it all on his own.

Jim said: "Scotland were lacking a wee bit of inspiration. It was as if the players were waiting for something to happen. Nothing did until the substitutes came on.

"Barry is a class player but you need more than one in your team and he will help a great deal when he's fit again.

"When I played for Scotland there was Graeme Souness, Gordon Strachan and Davie Cooper who could inspire anyone.

"We should have scored through Chris Iwelumo but Norway had one or two chances as well and they were quite happy with a point.

"It's not over yet but a lot will depend on how Norway and Macedonia get on."

Former East Stirling star Carl Thywissen claims his country will be on a downer at not taking all three points.

Thywissen felt deflated as he watched Norway hitman John Carew miss a hatful of chances. He said: "People in our country expected us to win. We had the better of the game. I don't know how Carew never scored.

"The draw suits no-one. Scotland will fear their chances are over and I believe Norway will also struggle to make it now."

Meanwhile, ex-Scotland boss Tommy Docherty is adamant our South Africa 2010 dream is over but he feels the one man who shouldn't be blamed is manager Burley.

He said: "The last thing we should be thinking right now is asking the manager to leave. What difference will that make?

"The problem is we don't have good enough players. We have ordinary players."