EASTER ROAD, 3PM
of years. That’s something that the Scottish Premiership can give you.
“If you look at the last couple of Scotland squads, there has been a lot of guys from the SPFL there.
“I’m not giving too much thought to it just now. My main thoughts are on getting my head down, working hard and playing football.
“But if the opportunity did come back along with Scotland, I’d be really grateful.”
Despite his lack of regular action in Portugal, Gauld insists the Sporting switch has not been a waste of time.
He said: “My move was all a bit of a shock at the beginning.
“My first year especially was very good and then with the change of manager everything became a bit more difficult, there were fewer chances for me.
“I have enjoyed different loan spells – last year we managed to win the Portuguese Cup with Aves and I have enjoyed some game time in the first league.
“I have had four years there with some ups and downs but I have enjoyed it.”
Gauld considered a move back to Scotland last summer but opted to remain in Portugal with second tier outfit Farense, where he made 13 appearances – scoring two goals.
He admitted: “I didn’t really know what was in store for me last summer.
“There was a couple of different options here and there but I decided I would give it a go in the second league.
“I wasn’t really continually playing 90 minutes week after week for a few years so I thought if I went there I’d hopefully get my rhythm back and then kick on.
“But with January coming I was made aware have to handle that as we can not stop concentrating for a second or they will punish us.
“If we can get through the first 10 minutes with our goal intact then we have built a bit of a platform. The next target is to get through the next 10 and so on.
“We will look to keep them quiet for as long as possible then hopefully get a chance on the break.”
The hitman has been in good form this season, netting 11 times, and would love to make a name for himself by sinking the Hibees.
Sutherland said: “This tie is a platform for myself and others to show what we can do.
“It is a chance to shine as we will have more exposure than usual – but we can’t think too much about that or the game will run away from us.” of Hibs’ interest and it felt like the right time. “After speaking to Hibs and hearing what they had in store for me, it felt like a good time to come back. “Knowing they were interested in me for a couple of months, that made me feel wanted. “It made me feel like they wanted me in the building, which is what everyone wants. “Their scouting department did a lot of work, made reports, came out to see me play in a few games. “The fact that they were putting in that much effort, it makes you feel like they’re really keen, really interested. That was important to me.”