Scots just aren't good enough.

Last updated : 15 June 2009 By Daryl Baker

Sunderland's new assistant Manager Eric Black, a Scotsman himself, and who played for Scottish team Aberdeen in the 80's and scored one of the goals in the 2-1 victory over Real Madrid, in the Cup Winner's Cup back in 1983. 

Black was quoted today saying, "Players playing in England are usually bigger, stronger and faster than those in Scotland."

"I mean no disrespect whatsoever to Scottish players as I know there are some fine footballers in the SPL.

"But this, as I keep saying, is a league in which you have to take in players who are equipped in all ways in order to compete.

"Talent is merely one facet of a player's make-up required to make the grade in England.

"Height, pace and power are all needed in equal measure and so few Scots possess all the required qualities to survive."

"In the English Premier League today you need to replace outgoing players with new ones who are both experienced and good enough to do the necessary job for the team straight away," Black explained.

"You need special players who have, apart from skill, speed and ability, the right kind of character and mentality. They need to be mentally and physically tough England's Premier League is a physical league.

"They need, ideally, to be big, strong and quick. The Premier League is about speed, so they need to be able to pass the ball and receive it quickly and use it effectively."

Sunderland currently have only two Scotsman in there team goal keeper Craig Gordon and defender Russell Anderson, Gordon who Sunderland paid 9 million pounds for, giving him the current title of Britain's most expensive keeper.  Defender Russell Anderson is almost certain to be sold having played only once since signing for Sunderland, Burnley look like the main contenders to sign the centre back.