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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Smith

Craig Gordon talks up Zander Clark for Scotland No1 spot ahead of squad announcement

Craig Gordon has backed Zander Clark to take on the Scotland No1 spot ahead of this month's European qualifiers against Cyprus and Spain.

Steve Clarke will have a big decision to make for both matches with his current first choice out injured with a leg break.

Hearts goalkeeper Clark and Motherwell skipper Liam Kelly have been in and around the national team set-up in recent camps, but neither has been capped.

On Clark, Gordon explained how he has impressed on club duties for Robbie Neilson's Hearts.

He told Sky Sports: "I knew that he would come in and be very solid. I think he's done a lot for the team since he's come in, he's been very solid, made some saves, got a few clean sheets as well, which has really helped over this period. 

“He's now playing regular football. There are not many Scottish goalkeepers that are playing regularly, so he's put himself in a good position for the internationals."

Asked if Clark could be the man for the upcoming internationals, Gordon replied: “Yeah, who knows? I mean, Steve Clarke will make that decision and there are a few that will have their eye on it and be wanting to play well between now and then to give themselves that opportunity.  

“And yeah, it is going to be a tough call for the manager, but I am sure they'll make the right choice.” 

Norwich goalkeeper Angus Gunn is hoping to kick off his Scotland career in the upcoming European Championship qualifiers after successful talks with manager Steve Clarke convinced him to switch allegiance from England.

The 27-year-old – whose father Bryan won six caps for Scotland in the 1990s – is eligible for both nations and played for England through the age groups up to under-21 level.

However, he has never been capped at full international level, giving Clarke the chance to persuade him to commit to Scotland ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifiers at home to Cyprus and Spain later this month.

“I had a meeting with the manager (Clarke) a couple of months ago, I’ve spoken to him a few times and I’ve decided to change allegiances,” said Gunn, speaking to the media after Norwich’s defeat to Sunderland on Sunday.

“I’m available for the squad, I don’t think they’ve announced it yet so hopefully I can get into it, It’s exciting times for me.”

Gunn has established himself as the Canaries’ first-choice goalkeeper this season after joining from Southampton in 2021. As a team-mate of Scotland pair Grant Hanley and Kenny McLean, he feels ready to make his presence felt on the international stage.

“It’s a time in my career where I want to be playing lots of games,” he said. “I don’t feel like when people have spoken about it before that I’ve been playing regularly enough to play for Scotland.

“I’ve never really been thinking about it and I’ve never had a conversation with anyone from the team before.

“It was a really good conversation with the manager and Grant and Kenny always speak to me about the group and how positive it is.

“My dad is happy as well because he’s a big Scotsman. I want to push myself. I don’t feel that I’ve warranted any international recognition in the last couple of years but I feel that I’m playing regularly and trying to find that consistency that now is the right time to step into it and hopefully do a good job.”

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