The worst miss ever Chris?

Chris Iwelumo's amazing miss for Scotland has begged the question of whether it was one of the worst in football.

The Wolves striker's failure to score a sitter in Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Norway left the Scots stunned, the former Charlton man stabbing wide from four yards out, after Gary Naysmith had supplied the perfect cross.

Many thought the ball had gone in and were celebrating, while the linesman appeared to initially indicate a goal. Their worst fears were confirmed when they realised the ball had sailed wide.

Now Iwelumo's chance has reopened the debate about football's big misses. So in no particular order, we have selected five of the biggest missed sitters – and 'big Chris' is in good company.

Also, two of the highest profile howlers were committed by Albion strikers.

Nwankwo Kanu's miss for the Baggies in a 2-1 defeat against Middlesbrough on 13 November 2004, was described as "almost impossible" by then Albion boss Bryan Robson.

The Nigerian somehow lobbed over from two yards out when it seemed far easier to score.

Kanu is joined on the red-faced list by the man regarded by Albion fans as 'The King,' Jeff Astle, whose miss came for then world champions England in the 1970 World Cup against Brazil.

In his defence, Astle was further out than Iwelumo, but he could only fire over with just keeper Venerando Mielli Felix to beat.

Gordon Smith's miss for Brighton against Manchester United in the 1983 FA Cup final prompted the fanzine title 'And Smith Must Score'.

But a list of howlers wouldn't be complete without arguably the Premier League's biggest, by Liverpool's Ronnie Rosenthal against Villa in 1992.

After rounding the keeper just inside the penalty area, the Israeli fired against the bar to the delight of the Villa faithful.