Source: PA
Scotland were first choice - Gilks
Matt Gilks insists Scotland was always his first choice international team despite being born in Rochdale.
The 28-year-old Blackpool keeper was drafted into the Craig Levein's squad for the first time for the forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers against Lithuania in Kaunas on Friday and Liechtenstein at Hampden on Tuesday week.
Gilks is eligible through his grandmother from Perth whom he claims instilled in him the Scottish spirit. "I do (feel Scottish) to be honest," he said. "Scotland was definitely my first choice.
"My grandmother was born in Scotland and she was a massive influence on me growing up and within our family so I have always leaned towards Scotland, rather than England.
"I've been to Scotland a few times. I'm good friends with David Marshall and I came up to Hampden for the Macedonia game. The atmosphere at the game was fantastic. At half-time, the place was jumping.
"I was having a coffee, listening to all the singing, and just thought to be a part of it all would be amazing. So I'm more than grateful to be here. To be a part of it, to be called up now, it's going to be even better."
