SCOTLAND coach Walter Smith reckons Craig Gordon's decision to commit his future to Hearts for the next three seasons is a major coup for the national game.

He was delighted when Gordon, widely expected to leave Tynecastle when his current contract expired next summer, penned a new deal to keep him at Tynecastle until 2009.

The timing of the signing is perfect for Smith ahead of next season's European qualifying campaign with the backbone of his first choice XI now all plying their trade in the SPL.

Smith is delighted that Gordon has chosen to remain north of the border along with Rangers skipper Barry Ferguson, new Celtic signing Kenny Miller and Tynecastle team-mates Andy Webster and Steven Pressley.

The 23-year-old had a host of options with Palermo, PSV Eindhoven, Everton and Arsenal all interested in acquiring his services.

But while the Scotland manager feels Gordon has given both club and country a massive lift by staying he admits the keeper has the class to play in any league in the world.

Smith said: "I'm very pleased for Craig and it's good the Scottish players are remaining in Scotland.

"It used to be when they came to the end of their contracts they would leave the country and head down south or move abroad.

"Now they are looking to stay in Scotland which is a pleasing factor as we want to keep as many good players in the country as possible.

"Craig has been doing well for club and country and with most keepers it takes time to come to the fore but he clinched his Scotland place at just 22.

"He can only get better and there's no doubt he can play in the Premiership. In fact he could play anywhere."

Gordon will almost certainly be the first name on the squad list for the summer tour to Japan, however Smith knows his plans may have to be revised if Hearts beat Hibs to reach the Scottish Cup Final. The end-of-season showpiece coincides with our participation in the Kirin Cup alongside hosts Japan and Bulgaria and the outcome of the Edinburgh derby will go a long way to determining who is and isn't involved.

There has been a large contingent of both Hearts and Hibs players in recent international squads and Smith knows the absence of either one will open the door for those on the fringes of the current set-up.

He said: "I will start to make up the squad after the semi-finals when I will have a better idea who can make it.

"If someone has a competitive game, like Garry O'Connor in Russia for instance, they won't be able to come along and the same goes for the guys who will be in the Cup Final.

"I appreciate taking the games in Japan could cause us a few problems because of the Cup Final but that will give an opportunity to one or two other lads who have been around the fringes. The squad will be roughly the same as we've had apart from a few guys who'll come in from the fringes."

Rangers duo Chris Burke and Kris Boyd look set to be handed their international break in the Far East as Smith looks ahead to those he feels can do a job when then the Euro 2008 qualifiers begin next September.

He said: "I have been trying to introduce a few younger players over the last period but I don't think it's right to bring them all in at the one time. The trip will give us an opportunity to take them along and give them a game."

Rangers captain Ferguson, who will undergo surgery on his damaged ankle when the season ends, is certain to miss the trip and his absence has paved the way for a change of skipper.

Smith added: "If Barry is out then Christian Dailly will lead the team as he has done the job in the past."

Taken from the Daily Record