McCarthy gives support to Iwelumo

CHRIS Iwelumo's club manager has defended the Wolves striker over his missed scoring chance on his Scotland debut against Norway at the weekend.

Mick McCarthy said that he admired his player for the honesty he showed when owning up to his mistake at Hampden, and predicted he will go on to score goals for Scotland in the future.

"It's typical when somebody misses a chance – and it was a good chance – people have a pop," said McCarthy. "It's been happening for years. People say a team have lost because of somebody's misfortune and they get slated.

"That's bull. It wasn't his fault Scotland didn't win. He should be admired, not vilified, for speaking so honestly. I spoke to him after the game. He's my player and I wanted to make sure he was fine. He's big enough to handle anything.

"I know he'll score for me and (Scotland manager] George Burley. I'd rather have been talking about him scoring but he'll bounce back. When he gets the next chance for Scotland he'll stick it away."