Gilks glee at call-up

FOOTBALL:

MATT Gilks is set to complete the remarkable path from Heyside Juniors to the international stage.

The Blackpool goalkeeper (28) has been drafted in to Craig Levein’s Scotland squad for the first time for tonight’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Lithuania in Kaunas and Liechtenstein at Hampden on Tuesday.

He was born in Rochdale but is eligible through his grandmother from Perth, whom he claims instilled in him the Scottish spirit.

Gilks played for Brian Bakes’ under-13s team at Heyside. He didn’t even start out as a ’keeper, but gave it a go under Bakes’ supervision and never looked back.

“I do (feel Scottish) to be honest," said Gilks.

"Scotland was definitely my first choice. My grandmother was born in Scotland and she was a massive influence on me growing up and within our family so I have always leaned towards Scotland, rather than England.