Norway boss Egil Olsen has little sympathy with his Scotland counterpart George Burley over complaints about World Cup preparations. The Scottish Premier League have agreed to put back the start of next season in an effort to aid the national side in their game against Norway on 12th August.

Olsen was unimpressed with Scotland in the Hampden stalemate between the two sides last October.

"I saw the match and thought Scotland were very lucky to get a point. They had the best chance through (Chris) Iwelumo but Norway missed more chances," he told the Daily Record.

"I had it 7-4 to Norway so that gives me every confidence we will beat them when they come here.

"This all comes down to the character of the players and not about when games take place before an international.

"Modern-day footballers can play two matches a week, no problem.

"Any other time in the season players play matches for their clubs and then have a few days to relax before important internationals.

"Nobody can have complaints about when the games are played - we have a double-header against Macedonia and Holland, both away in June, and have just four days between them.

"We have to win in Macedonia and if we do that then we will beat Scotland at home, beat Macedonia at home and beat Iceland away.

"That is a lot of travelling and can be tough for players but we are just getting on with it and will never moan about it.

"You have to say Holland are going to go the finals as leaders.

"It doesn't matter when the games are played - the fact is you are playing to get to the World Cup finals."