Source: Team_Talk
Levein tips Gordon to hit the top
Scotland boss Craig Levein reckons Craig Gordon has the potential to be one of the world's best keepers and will soon win a move to a top side.[LNB] Levein believes Gordon is back to his best and is now demonstrating the sort of form he showed under him at Hearts which earned him a move to Sunderland.[LNB]And, as well as taking the Premier League by storm in the years to come, Levein is confident his national number one will have a crucial role to play in Scotland's bid to qualify for the 2012 European Championships.[LNB]"I was at a game recently and he was top drawer," said Levein.[LNB]"He was back to how I remember him when he was in the Hearts team and before he set off for Sunderland.[LNB]"I've got no doubt that, at some point in the years ahead, Craig will get an opportunity to make the move to one of the big clubs in the Premiership. His ability would warrant that.[LNB]"He's had one or two setbacks recently with regards to injury and I think, if he gets a run of games, he will have a great part to play in any success we have.[LNB]"He's got more improvement to come and I think he could be top drawer. I am pleased he is Scottish."[LNB]Levein replaced George Burley at the Scotland helm in December and enjoyed a positive start to his tenure with a 1-0 win over Czech Republic in a friendly at Hampden last month.[LNB]And, despite the problems his predecessor encountered in the role, the former Dundee United manager has been able to take the job in his stride so far.[LNB]He said: "The most difficult part? It's not been that hard really so far.[LNB]"I wouldn't call the job difficult as such. It's different to what I had been doing.[LNB]"But the bit that brings the most pressure is the bit I like - the games and dealing with everything surrounding the games.[LNB]"We've got good players and I feel encouraged every time I jump in my car and go and watch them.[LNB]"I come away from the games seriously thinking the Scottish lads have been the best players on the pitch."[LNB]Despite a daunting task to end Scotland's wait of more than a decade to qualify for a major finals, Levein feels optimistic about the future.[LNB]"Of course I do," he said.[LNB]"In some ways I feel I took the job on at a time when there was room for improvement and that's always the best time to take on any job.[LNB]"I'm optimistic and I have to be optimistic.[LNB]"I've watched a lot of games, a lot of players, and I think the talent that we've got gives us more than a fighting chance of being there or thereabouts in the qualifying for the competition.[LNB]"But talk is cheap and there is a long way to go."
