Hoseth given Norway chance

Norway have called up Molde FK midfield player Magne Hoseth for their squad to face Finland in a friendly next week.

Crucial warm-up
The match in Oslo on 22 May is Norway's last before the UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier against Denmark on 7 June, which could go a long way to determining the winners of Group 2. Unbeaten Norway lead the section with ten points from four games, but second-placed Denmark are just three points behind.

Left-sided cover
With both AFC Ajax's Andre Bergdølmo and DSC Arminia Bielefeld's Torjus Hansen unavailable because of club commitments, Norway coach Nils Johan Semb selected Hoseth to provide left-sided cover for Liverpool FC defender John Arne Riise.

Place deserved
"Hoseth has been playing well lately, at times very well," Semb said. While Norway and Denmark are on a good run, Finland will hope the friendly will help boost their confidence after a slow start to Group 9 that has brought them just three points from their first four fixtures.

Norway squad
Holtan, E Johnsen, Olsen, Basma, Berg, Hangeland, R Johnsen, Lundekvam, Riise, T Andersen, Bakke, Flo, Hoseth, Iversen, F Johnsen, Svindal Larsen, Leonhardsen, Solskjær.