Scotland international Craig Gordon is hoping to help his club Sunderland qualify for European competition next season. "We're all trying to get to the next level, the manager has challenged us and I know I've got to raise my game if we're going to get Sunderland challenging for a European spot, which is where we want to be," he told The Northern Echo.

"It will take time, but we are determined to improve as a team, work hard and finish as high up this league as we can - I think Europe is a realistic target.

"I still regard it as a great honour to play for my country.

"For me it's the greatest honour you can get as a player. I love playing for Sunderland of course, but to play for Scotland is special.

"Maybe the quality is better in league games because the players in the Premier League are some of the best from all over the world, while some international games are against smaller countries.

"But international games are great experience for me and with Scotland you've got five million fans watching you, which adds to the pressure."