Gordon will put focus on Sunderland after Scots' Euro disaster

The Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon insists his club form will not be affected by Scotland's agonising exit from Euro 2008.

Gordon was beaten by Christian Panucci's last-minute header from a controversial free-kick as the Scots succumbed to a 2-1 defeat by the world champions, Italy, at Hampden Park on Saturday. It ended their hopes of playing in Austria and Switzerland next year, edged out by the Italians and France.

However, the 24-year-old is adamant he will have put the disappointment behind him by the time the Black Cats travel to Everton on Saturday.

Gordon told his club's website: "It was unfortunate the way it worked out – but it wasn't to be. You can bemoan the decisions, but we had chances to go and win the game and we didn't do it.

"Even in the days after, it's still hard to take. But you live with these things and you get on with it. We've got the team there that is capable of doing well more often – and we look forward.

"Saturday is a different set of circumstances. You're playing for your club now – and what's gone has gone.

"I'll be fully focused on the Everton game. We have a good opportunity to get something from it."

The Wearsiders travel to Goodison Park just two points above the Premier League drop zone, while their opponents are looking to climb nearer the European places.

However, the team have drawn two and lost five of their away games this season – something Gordon admits they need to address if they are to avoid a fight against relegation.

"Our away form has not been great, and it's an ideal opportunity to change that," he said. "Everton have done well – they are flying, but we have been showing steady progress, especially away from home.

"It's about time we took something on the road."