City’s Slicker inspired by Gordon’s longevity

Cieran Slicker believes playing international football at under-21 level is hugely beneficial for any young Scot even though his side are unlikely to qualify for next year's European Championship.

The Scots have learned harsh lessons against the likes of Belgium, Denmark and Turkey so far in their frustrating qualifying bid.

They sit fourth in their section, with assistant manager Peter Houston admitting, after Friday's 2-0 home loss to Turkey, their hopes of making the finals in Georgia and Romania are all but over.

Despite the underwhelming results in the campaign so far, Manchester City goalkeeper Slicker, aged 19, loves joining up with Scotland Under-21s and getting the chance to test himself against the top young players in Europe.

“It’s a great level,” he said. “Players that we play against are top-level players playing first-team in European first divisions. It is great experiences for all of us to take back to our clubs and prepare us for the next step. These are the best in Europe.”

As he bids to establish himself as a top-level goalkeeper, Slicker is inspired by the longevity of a man 20 years his senior, with Scotland stopper Craig Gordon still going strong at 39.

“You look at Craig, what he’s doing at the minute, it’s amazing," said Slicker, who will try to help Scotland bounce back from their Turkish defeat when they face Kazakhstan in Almaty today. “From having the career he has had and still going at the end point of his career, he is doing amazing.

“Looking up to him is a great one to have.”