Source: Telegraph
Sunderlund's Ricky Sbragia hits out at 'unhelpful' Scotland coach George Burley
Sbragia spoke out after Burley warned that Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon's place in the national side was under threat because he had lost his first-team place at the Stadium of Light. [LNB]That could mean that Gordon will miss this month's crucial World Cup qualifying game against Holland in Amsterdam with Rangers rival Allan McGregor ready to take over in goal. [LNB] Related ArticlesMcDonald aims for 'perfect 10'[LNB]Smith to avoid double drop[LNB]Scotland manager George Burley keeps fingers crossed for midfield trio[LNB]Rangers striker Kris Boyd is unlikely to be let off the leash against Celtic[LNB]Scotland manager George Burley hails his 'top-class' midfield trio[LNB]Scotland manager George Burley recalls Cardiff City midfielder Gavin Rae[LNB]"What George has had to say doesn't help but what George can do is not play Craig," said fellow Scot Sbragia. [LNB]"It's as simple as that if he doesn't think he should play but I would put money on him playing against Holland when it comes around. I can tell you that now. [LNB]"I think he should really consider managing Scotland and not pick Craig if he is concerned and, as happened with Northern Ireland and David Healy. [LNB]"But I pick the team, I make the decisions and I don't tell George who to pick in general. But I bet Craig plays against Holland." [LNB]Gordon is expected to be among Sunderland's substitutes on Saturday when Tottenham head to Wearside with Hungarian international Marton Fulop hanging on to the starting slot despite dropping a clanger in the 2-0 midweek defeat at Liverpool. [LNB]"I haven't spoken to Marton but he knows what he has done and he doesn't need me to ram it down his throat," Sbragia added. [LNB]"With Craig breathing down his neck, his performances have got to be high. He has made one mistake in 14 games and he has made a lot of important saves for me which maybe we should have highlighted a bit more. [LNB]"It would be unfair to drop Marton for one mistake. I have spoken to Craig. I speak to him twice a week and when the opportunity comes we will definitely put him back in again." [LNB]
