Buffon backs 'great' Gordon

Gianluigi Buffon believes Scotland's Craig Gordon could become one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

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Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes Scotland's Craig Gordon could become one of the top goalkeepers in the world. The Italian number one has widely been hailed as the best on the planet but the Juventus keeper thinks the Sunderland star could succeed him one day. "I think he is a great goalkeeper at international level," Buffon said. "Gordon is the best goalkeeper to have emerged from Scotland in recent years and his transfer to Sunderland proved what a valuable player he is. "He has a very promising career in Europe."

Threat

Buffon himself expects a busy night in the vital Euro 2008 qualifier at Hampden Park with Scotland also providing a threat up front. "Scotland have good players, especially in attack, like Kenny Miller and James McFadden," Buffon said. "We will have to keep a close eye on them - they both have very good technical skills." Italy will also need a huge contribution from their number one and Buffon is ready and focused on the game.

Challenge

"I hope that I can be up for the challenge," he said. "There are certain games that you need to be at your best and this is one of them. "We all have a responsibility and we know that we need to be ready in order to achieve our aim. "The important thing is for everyone to play a crucial role in this team."