Another reason for Scots to watch Sunderland?

February 28th, 2008 | by: Ian Rose | View Comments

Aside from keeping our starting keeper, Craig Gordon, fit and healthy, Sunderland AFC might just have even more to offer the Scotland national side. Apparently, Roy Keane’s newly acquired defender, Phil Bardsley (no relation to 2-cap England right back David) is unsure about where to commit his international loyalties. He was born outside Manchester, but his father is Scottish, and apparently he has enough Irish blood in him to make a Republic declaration as well. So far, he hasn’t done a huge amount to get the attention of the Scottish scouts, spending most of his Manchester United career on loan in Belgium, as well as a brief and fairly lackluster time at Rangers in which he managed a goal and a red card. But Sunderland has looked a pretty sharp defense since his addition, conceding four goals in four matches, but three of those to Liverpool at Anfield. If Bardsley continues to perform there, and if he chooses to be considered a Scot, George Burley might like the idea of a fullback with week-in, week-out familiarity with Gordon.

Another new face to consider in the mix as Burley brews up his squad list. Because he hasn’t yet declared as a Scot, I doubt he’s on the list for the Croatia friendly next month, but he may be one for the future. We certainly could use some youth in the back, and after yesterday’s horrible 4-0 loss to Rangers, Hearts’ Christophe Berra lost a bit of stock in that department.