Burley backing for Gordon

Scotland boss hails goalkeeper

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 30th May 2008

Craig Gordon1

Gordon: Burley praise

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George Burley has backed Scotland No.1 Craig Gordon to become the top goalkeeper in Europe.

Petr Cech will line up between the posts for Czech Republic in Scotland's friendly in Prague on Friday and Burley accepts the Chelsea man is just about the best in the business.

However, Burley does not believe Gordon is far behind and is confident the 25-year-old will improve over the next couple of years.

"I know Craig from our time at Hearts and he was absolutely superb for me," said the Scotland boss.

"He faces a big test at Sunderland and he's come through his first season very well. He's still maturing but already he's one of the top keepers in Europe.

"Of course, the Czechs have Petr Cech who probably is the top keeper in Europe so it will be interesting to compare the two. But, no matter how this game goes, Craig is a phenomenal keeper.

"He's the type of guy who doesn't get flustered by anything. He doesn't go into games worrying about them.

"He has bags of confidence and all the ability in the world. He's developing into a terrific player as he gets older and, over the next couple of years, I believe he can challenge Petr Cech for the title of being the top keeper in Europe."

Competition

Despite being hit by a number of withdrawals Burley is happy with the options at his disposal and feels that Scotland could spring a surprise against Czech Republic.

He said: "It's good to have such strong competition for places. We have players here who are trying to show they are good enough to stay in the squad. We have had a lot of injuries to deal with but that gives opportunities to others.

"The most important thing we have going for us is the spirit in the squad.

"It's been there for a couple of years now and it's a case of keeping the momentum going now.

"It's the manager's job to get the best out of the players who are available to him.

"We have an abundance of talent and the nucleus of an exciting young squad. We will try to utilise that the best way we can and put on a good performance against the Czechs.

"We may have a young team but we have no fears, no worries. We will try to express ourselves and we will work our socks off. We're looking for a good result and a good performance."