Gunns are out but Scots need a real steady hand

THE Gunn has sounded on the contest to become Scotland’s new No.1.

Norwich keeper Angus’ decision to boot his England ambition into touch and instead follow in his father Bryan’s footsteps with Scotland is good news for Steve Clarke and the Tartan Army.

After years of head scratching over the next generation of custodians there finally looks to be a balanced set of five ready to scrap it out.

At least until Craig Gordon recovers from his horrific leg break and no doubt re-enters the conversation to make it six.

But before that there’s an entire Euro qualifying campaign to be played and it offers – sorry DEMANDS – Gordon’s successor step forward and grab the opportunity with both hands.

Admittedly that’s as daunting a task as facing a David Beckham inswinger on a blustery day at Gayfield.

But what an opportunity and while Gunn’s arrival bolsters the options, the Canaries star surely can’t just swoop in and claim the No.1 jersey within the space of two weeks.

Gunn, at 27-years-old, joins elder statesmen Zander Clark, 30, and Jon McLaughlin, 35, as well as Liam Kelly – a day younger than Gunn – and Robby McCrorie who turns 25 later this week.

It’s a keeper quintet that boasts only two full caps between them and both of those belong to McLaughlin.

But lack of experience can’t be used against the next gen. Not when they had to watch from the sidelines as Scotland’s greatest-ever group of keepers dominated the last two decades.

A bit like David Moyes being charged with trying to fill the boots of Sir Alex at Manchester United a decade ago these boys are being asked to succeed a tartan dynasty of Gordon, Allan McGregor and David Marshall that would have stood up against any other country on the planet at their peak.

Theirs are pretty bulky gloves to fill but that’s exactly why Clark must be the first name on the team sheet when Cyprus come to town.

Why? Because the 30-year-old has already proved he can indeed wear the sizeable shirt vacated by Gordon’s misfortune without so much as a flap.

Clark’s performances for Hearts since being thrown in at short notice after Gordon’s horrific leg have flown under the radar but not by anyone in the goalkeeping fraternity. Not only was he replacing a keeper in his prime but Clark was replacing a club captain, legend and possibly their greatest-ever No.1.

The spotlight was shining firmly on the ex-St Johnstone keeper who had gone seven months without touching a competitive ball before being thrown in at Tannadice Christmas Eve.

But he’s handled the pressure with as much assurance as any cross lobbed into his box. That commanding presence allied to his ability to make the big saves just like Gordon have helped him deliver a 50 per cent clean-sheet record.

With a bit of luck Gordon will be back this time next year but, for the good of the Scottish game, he might just find there’s a new obstacle in his quest for a 75th cap.

These boys are being asked to succeed a tartan dynasty of goalkeepers