LATE CALL KEPT GUNN SWEATING OVER DEBUT
Norwich goalkeeper had restless night ahead of Cyprus clash but has no fear of facing Spain
ANGUS GUNN endured a restless night as he waited to discover whether he would be handed a dream Hampden debut — but insists he won’t be losing any sleep over facing up to Spain on Tuesday. The 27-year-old Norwich City goalkeeper only found out yesterday morning that he had done enough to see off the challenges of squad rivals Zander Clark and Liam Kelly to step between the sticks for the 3-0 Euro 2024 qualifying win over Cyprus at Hampden.
However, after overcoming a first-half slip in his own box that jangled the nerves, he went on to produce a decent save from Andronikos Kakoullis late on with the scoreline still at 1-0.
Next up is a new-look Spain side under head coach Luis De la Fuente that is likely to have a familiar face spearheading the attack in Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata — with Gunn sure a shock can be sprung and completely unfazed by the prospect of a high-octane encounter almost certain to see much more asked of him.
Asked if the thought of facing La Roja is likely to having him waking in the night in a cold sweat, he replied: ‘No, not really. It is a challenge that every footballer wants — to play against one of the best teams.
‘I am no different and I think all of the lads are the same. We are going to embrace that challenge here at Hampden and, under the lights, it is going to be a good opportunity for us to cause an upset. I think we can do that.
‘The manager said after the game that the game is going to be busier and that is what we expect. That is what we will prepare for in the next couple of days before it.
‘Obviously, we might come under more pressure, so the lads won’t be as high up the pitch. That probably changes my positioning a little bit, but, mentally, it doesn’t change anything. It is about concentration and trying to play my own game.’
Gunn concedes, though, that the anxious wait to discover whether he would be handed a debut cap against the Cypriots did upset his routine a little.
‘I didn’t find out until the morning. The manager left it quite late,’ he said. ‘All three of the keepers had a really good week of training and pushed each other really well and he said he had a really hard decision to make.
‘Ever since I found out, I was really looking forward to it and it couldn’t have been better.
‘I was pretty calm this morning. It was more (Friday) night that I didn’t sleep much, but I felt I’d done all I could in training to get into the team and, thankfully, the manager thought that as well.
‘All my family came down and watched and I am unbelievably proud. I am sure they were up in the stands as well. It was perfect.
‘I had a tricky save to make. It came through bodies and I think it might have taken a deflection off Grant (Hanley), so it is one you’d expect the keeper to make. Making it look easy is what I like to do and I thought I did that pretty well.’
Gunn admits he was relieved at that moment in which the ground gave way underneath his feet and, mercifully, he pretty much landed on top of the ball (above) at the edge of his own area after coming off his line to take an aimless Cyprus through-ball.
‘There were quite a lot of players slipping, so it was a bit of a worry when it happened, but, luckily, I looked down and the ball was between my legs,’ he recalled. ‘I got away with that one. Time slowed down a little.
‘After that, I was even more concentrated on my footing and getting my balance right. I was more switched on.’
National coach Steve Clarke reported himself more than happy with his new recruit’s first outing, but did have a word with him about that wobbly moment during the half-time interval.
‘On a greasy surface, sometimes, when you’re a little bit nervous, you could spill one. But his handling was clean,’ said Clarke. ‘His kicking was also good.
‘The only thing I said to him at half-time was “check your studs”, because he had that little slip.
‘Thankfully, he sat on the ball, but for a goalkeeper to get his first cap and play and get a clean sheet with no mistakes, it’s good.’
Gunn had never visited Hampden until midweek, but is already dreaming of being part of a special night in its history on Tuesday.
‘I came on Tuesday for the first time,’ he smiled. ‘I really liked it. When the goals went in, the atmosphere was great and I am looking forward to seeing it under the lights. Hopefully, it will be a big upset against Spain.’
Norwich-born Gunn, who played for England’s Under-21s and did receive one call-up to the senior squad, had time to contact dad Bryan, a former Scotland keeper himself, to let him know he had been chosen to face the Cypriots.
‘I think my family are really proud and they have all come here to see it,’ he said. ‘Obviously, I grew up in England and was in the academy and the age groups there. It was kind of natural.
‘My dad has always jokingly pushed Scotland on me, but, in the last few years of my career, I hadn’t played regularly enough to merit an international call-up.
‘I took care of my performances for Norwich; that gave me the opportunity to make a decision and I am glad I did.’