Iwelumo wins Scottish call-up

Wolves striker Chris Iwelumo was celebrating today after receiving his first full international call-up for Scotland.

The 30-year-old, born in Coatbridge near Glasgow, is included in George Burley's 25-strong squad for the World Cup qualifier against Norway at Hampden on October 11.

Iwelumo is currently serving a three-match ban for his sending off against Preston which ends with Saturday's trip to Swansea.

But he has received his big reward after scoring eight goals in six games this season.

Iwelumo's call-up makes it third time lucky for the former Stoke and Charlton striker.

Back in 2002 Iwelumo was selected by Berti Vogts for an end of season tour to South Korea but had to withdraw due to his involvement in the play-offs with Stoke.

Five years later the striker was back on the Scotland radar when Alex McLeish gave him a chance to prove himself in the B international against the Republic of Ireland.

Iwelumo impressed in a 1-1 draw at Airdrie's New Broomfield Stadium, but days later McLeish quit his post to join Birmingham.

Delighted Iwelumo feels he could make the step up to international level.

"I'm Scottish through and through and would love to play for my country," he said.

"It would be a great honour and I would be the proudest man in Scotland.

"I don't think there are many strikers like me around. I'm big, strong in the air, fairly quick, have a presence and I can score goals.

"I remember when the national anthem was played in the 'B' game and I found it very overwhelming and emotional.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the week's build-up to the game and the match itself.

"The full squad is a massive step-up although I feel it is one I could handle."

Iwelumo impressed in a 1-1 draw at Airdrie's New Broomfield Stadium, but days later McLeish quit his post to join Birmingham.

The ex-Colchester man could play up front alongside Rangers' former Wolves man Kenny Miller.

Also included are Wolves' summer transfer target Christophe Berra from Hearts, Albion midfielder James Morrison, Blues forward James McFadden and Celtic's ex-Villa man Shaun Maloney.

Morrison is still awaiting his competitive debut for the Scots after a knee injury ruled him out of the last two qualifiers.