Craig Gordon will lean on the Hearts kids and his goalkeeping coach to keep himself sharp for the Euros.
The Jambos’ ended their season last Friday night with a 4-0 win at Raith Rovers, leaving Gordon out of action until he joins up with Scotland for their pre-tournament friendlies against the Netherlands and Luxembourg in June.
Until then, while the top flight finishes, he’ll be in training with the Under 18s at Tynecastle, whilst Paul Gallagher will also be on hand to put him through his paces and keep him ticking over.
”‘I’ve spoken to Paul Gallagher and he’s going to take a few sessions during the week,” he said.
“The Scotland guys have been great too. The sports scientists have been on the phone, getting plans together for us to use the gym facilities. We have a good plan to keep us going over the next few weeks. It’s going to keep us very fit and ready to go. I’m looking forward to it.”
Gordon isn’t just content for Scotland to go and take part however. He wants us to create history and become the first to make beyond the group stages of a major tournament.
He added: “We have waited so long so why not go and give it a go? It would be nice to qualify from our group and be the first Scotland team to do that.
“Yes we have not qualified for so long but let’s go there with a bit of confidence and try and do something that no other Scottish team has done before. We have to try and do that.
“We know it will be difficult but that is definitely the aim, to get through the group. We know we are outsiders but we do have a confidence in our ability as a squad. There’s a togetherness about us too so you never know what can happen.
A 38, Gordon admits he thought his chance at playing at a finals had gone, having come close many times before but never quite making it.
With significant amounts of time out through injury, there was also the fear that Scotland would get it done but he would miss out.
He said: “Yes of course [I feared it wouldn’t happen]. You go into every campaign trying to make it happen and it’s been difficult. It’s been a long time since we last qualified for a major finals. We have to enjoy it but at the same time we want to do well.
“We have good players and a good spirit in the group. That puts us in a good position to go and compete.
“We will give it everything we have got and see what we can do.”
