Chris Iwelumo normally watches Scotland games in the pub but the Wolves striker is not content to sit in the Hampden dugout during Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Norway.

The 30-year-old is desperate to win his first cap following his long wait for an international chance.

The well-travelled striker was first called up for a Far East tour in 2002 but Stoke's play-off commitments forced him to pull out.

Six years later, Iwelumo may not have much longer to wait following Kenny Miller's withdrawal through a hamstring injury.

James McFadden is almost certain to start up front for George Burley's side but Iwelumo has a realistic chance of playing following a sparkling start to his Wolves career.

Fellow strikers Steven Fletcher and David Clarkson have caps but not Iwelumo's overall experience, while Kris Boyd has not started either of Rangers' last two games.

Burley claimed on Wednesday he had not picked his team yet and would use training to help find his best XI for Saturday's game.

And Iwelumo said: "I'm glad to be here but I want to be involved. It's a massive game and these are games all players want to play.

"We all know what the game means. We all want to go to the World Cup. It's do or die.

"It's a good bunch, we want to work for each other, play for each other and win for each other. It means a lot to all Scots.

"Because of the international break, usually I would go away with the missus and watch it abroad or in a little bar somewhere.

"It's overwhelming that I'm here. I'm positive and I just want to be part of it."

The former St Mirren player had a good goalscoring record for Charlton and previously Colchester in recent seasons but he has taken it on a level at Molineux.

"I've started off very well, I've got eight goals in six starts so long may it continue," he said.

"Confidence is a massive factor. It's a massive blow to lose Kenny, he is an out-and-out striker, he gets goals and his work ethic is second to none. He is a fantastic player.

"But I met up with the boys on Tuesday and there is a great buzz. The technical players are awesome so everyone is positive."

Iwelumo's desire to play for his country is apparent and others would have written off their chances following the long wait since the aborted trip to South Korea and Hong Kong.

But he has always maintained hope, which was fuelled by the appointment of former Ipswich and Southampton manager Burley earlier this year.

"I was meant to go to the Far East but Stoke City reached the play-off final and they wanted me to stay," the Coatbridge-born player added.

"They got promoted so it's one of those things that I had to take on the chin. My patience has been rewarded, definitely.

"I'm positive, I'm a realist as well. I just thought I would do well for my club and hope that would open the door for me.

"I was involved with the B squad last November against Republic of Ireland, but basically that's it. So I'm delighted to be here, I'm really buzzing.

"I was delighted with his (Burley's) appointment because I knew he knew the Championship inside out. So I thought he would definitely be keeping more of an eye on myself."

Iwelumo only has four days to impress Burley at closer hand but he is determined to give it his all.

"That's part and parcel of being a footballer," he said. "Everyone wants to play at the top level. I've got to go out and train my best every day, no matter what cause it's for."

And with the squad containing the likes of 38-year-old Davie Weir and Graham Alexander, who is 37 on Friday, Iwelumo hopes his international career blossoms further.

"It sets the benchmark," he added. "It's up to myself to take that chance and make sure I do leave a lasting impression.

"If that's what I do, hopefully I will be involved in further squads."