Iwelumo gets Scotland call-up

Chris Iwelumo has been handed his maiden call-up to the Scotland squad for next week's World Cup qualifier against Norway.

The Wolves striker, 30, has been rewarded for the red-hot form that has seen him score eight goals in seven matches this season.

There is also a recall for Bristol City defender Jamie McAllister, whose only cap came against Trinidad and Tobago more than four years ago.

Iwelumo, who was born in Coatbridge and is half Nigerian, played for Scotland B last year in a 1-1 friendly draw against the Republic of Ireland.

He netted his hat-trick in his last appearance for Coca-Cola Championship leaders Wolves but was also sent off, earning himself a three-match ban.

Iwelumo will therefore not have played for three weeks by the time Scotland kick-off against Norway and he expressed his fear this would scupper his chances of a call-up.

But manager George Burley believes he has done enough to warrant inclusion.

There was no place in the squad for Hearts midfielder Michael Stewart, who Burley had said last week would definitely be included.

Also omitted was Birmingham striker Garry O'Connor and Preston defender Callum Davidson, while Tottenham full-back Alan Hutton is still injured.

Despite losing his Rangers place to Neil Alexander, goalkeeper Allan McGregor held on to his spot in the squad.

Iwelumo began his professional career at St Mirren and spent two years in Denmark with Aarhus before being released in 2000.

He had a trial at Preston but it was Stoke who snapped him up and he spent more than four years with the midlands club.

During his time there, he had loan spells at York, Cheltenham and Brighton before rejecting the chance to join the latter permanently.

Instead, he signed for Bundesliga side Alemannia Aachen on a free transfer in July 2004.

He failed to make an impact in Germany and joined Colchester a year later, helping them win promotion to the Championship.

After rejecting a new contract in July 2007, Iwelumo moved to Charlton, where he spent just one season before joining Wolves this summer.

Glasgow-born left-back McAllister, meanwhile, spent his entire career in Scotland before joining Bristol City in the summer of 2006.

The 30-year-old has previously starred for Queen of the South, Aberdeen, Livingston and Hearts.