Berra Hoping for Better Trip to Norway
Tuesday, 19th Nov 2013 09:45

Christophe Berra will be hoping to enjoy Scotland’s friendly in Norway this evening more than the last time he faced the Scandinavians if he plays a part for Gordon Strachan’s side in Molde (BBC 2 Scotland, Sky channel 970, 5.55pm).

Berra’s fifth Scotland cap came in a World Cup qualifier in Oslo during his former Hearts manager George Burley’s time in charge in August 2009.

The game ended 4-0 to the Norwegians but that was just one aspect of a thoroughly miserable evening for the centre-half.

“Gary Caldwell got sent off and from the freekick he gave away we went 1-0 down, and then I was sent on just before it went 2-0,” he recalled, speaking to the Scottish media.

“With about 15 minutes to go I pulled a hamstring and that meant I missed the first five games of my first year with Wolves in the Premier League.

“It wasn’t a good memory. I’ve grown from that. It was the start of a long journey and made me stronger.”

Edinburgh-born Berra, an unused sub in the 0-0 draw with the USA on Friday, has been called up for the first time since he joined the Blues in the summer, having previously won 27 full Scotland caps, scoring two goals, in addition to appearances at U21 and B levels.

John Wark was the last Town player to wear the dark blue 30 years ago when he played in a 2-1 defeat to East Germany in a European Championships qualifier in Halle.

Berra says he’s looking to join the Blues legend on Town’s international roll of honour: “At Portman Road there’s a big board with all their internationals. It’s surprising how many top players are there. Guys like Terry Butcher and so on.

“I usually see John once a week at the training ground — he’s a great guy and does hospitality for the club.

“Hopefully I can get some minutes under my belt and he can be pestering me when I go back.”

Beyond tonight’s game, the 28-year-old is targeting qualification for Euro 2016 which is being held in his father’s homeland: "Making it to France would be special. My dad moved to Scotland in his early 20s to be a waiter and learn the language. He met my mum and the rest is history. He has never looked back.

“He’s from a place near the Swiss border called Besançon and he’s still got family and friends over there. He’s more or less Scottish now — although he’s still got his accent!”

Photo: Action Images

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