Carew crucial for Norway

John Carew made a significant impact for Norway as the only West Ham United player involved on a busy night of UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying matches.

The Hammers striker was an 80th-minute substitute as Norway searched for a winner late on at home to Iceland. With Egil Olsen desperate for a goal, Carew was fouled by the visiting goalkeeper in the 88th minute and a penalty awarded. It was duly converted to keep Norway at the top of Group H and firmly on course for next summer's finals in Ukraine and Poland.

Carew was given a huge ovation as he left the field in Oslo, with his contribution clearly changing the game. Norway can take another giant step towards the summer competition on Tuesday night when Carew will hope to start away to Denmark in the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.

Elsewhere, Jack Collison was not involved for Wales because of a virus as they took on Montenegro in Cardiff. A Welsh victory would hand a huge extra bonus to England, who won 3-0 away to Bulgaria to take a three-point outright lead at the top of Group G before the home nations meet at Wembley on Tuesday.