SCOTLAND star Craig Gordon says the Premier League is like playing an international every week. The Black Cats goalkeeper admits that it has been a tough transition for him to switch from football north of the border to the rigours of the Premier League. But the ex-Hearts keeper has now adapted to the unique pressures of playing in the English top flight, which is renowned as one of – if not THE – toughest league in the world. He said: “This was always going to be a difficult season for me because moving from the Scottish league to the Premiership is a massive step for any player. “I had never experienced anything like this before – the closest comparison I can make is with international football, but even then it is not the same. “It takes a bit of getting used to. “New players, new surroundings, new city – it is no wonder that it takes time to settle in. “It’s a big jump, a big step, and you are expected to perform right away but that is the way football is and all players accept that. “This was the first move of my career so I had no experience of all those things. “If I ever moved again – and of course I’m not saying I want to, just if it happened in my career – then I would probably cope with it better.” Gordon joined Sunderland in the summer and it has taken time for him to settle on Wearside. But the fans have taken to him and the Red and White Army sang his name in the last home game against Wigan three weeks ago after he had made a series of excellent saves. “It was a really good feeling to hear the crowd sing my name,” said the 24-year-old. “I am happy at Sunderland and hopefully I can continue to push on and improve my game.” | 
