Levein says Craig Gordon has been impressive for Sunderland

Craig Levein says the form of Scottish players in England's top flight makes him optimistic about his side's Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

"We've got good players," said the Scotland coach. "I am encouraged every time I jump in my car to watch them.

"Because I have been down in England a lot recently.

"And, every time I am at a game, I am seriously coming away from those games with Scottish lads having been the best players on the pitch."

And Levein tipped Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon to eventually win a transfer to a bigger English club.

Craig Gordon will get an opportunity to move to one of the big clubs in the Premiership Scotland coach Craig Levein

"I was at a game recently and it was top drawer," said the Scotland coach about the player with whom he previously worked at Hearts.

"It was back to what I remember him when he was in the Hearts team and before he set off for Sunderland.

"I have no doubt that, at some point in the years ahead, Craig will get an opportunity to move to one of the big clubs in the Premiership.

"His ability would warrant that and I also think that he's had one or two setbacks recently in regard to injury."

The 27-year-old Gordon was out of action with Sunderland for a couple of months after picking an injury in November but has returned to the side as they pulled clear from relegation trouble.

"I think, if he gets a run of games, that he will have a great part to play in any success we are going to have," said Levein.

"He's got more improvement to come and I think he could be top, top drawer and I'm pleased that he is Scottish.

"I still have old-fashioned views of assembling a football team and the spine of the team's vital, from goalkeeper right up the middle of the team."

Levein won his first game in charge of Scotland, beating the Czech Republic 1-0 in February, a result that moved them up four places to 41 in the world rankings.

Before taking the job, Levein expressed fears that he would become bored at not having day-to-day involvement with players and coaching, but he was now relaxing into his new role.

"I wouldn't call the job difficult as such," he said.

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"It's different from what I was doing, but the bit that brings pressure is the bit I like, the games and everything surrounding the games.

"In some ways I feel I took the job on at a time when there was room for improvement and that is always the best time to take on any job.

"I have to be optimistic. I've watched a lot of games, a lot of players. I think the talent that we've got gives us more than a fighting chance of being there or thereabouts of qualifying for this competition.

"But talk's cheap. There's a long way to go."

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