Goudie glad to be back in the fray after injury lay-off

FIT-AGAIN Gordon Goudie is ready to put his injury frustrations behind him as the Saltires return to YB40 action with a Bank Holiday double header against Derbyshire and Surrey.

The Grange all-rounder was one of the stand-out performers in the Scots’ opening fixture against Hampshire three weeks ago.

However, the recurrence of a niggling back injury meant Goudie missed the home clash with Essex and Scotland’s eagerly anticipated ODI against Pakistan.

It was a bitter blow for the 26-year-old former Stoneywood-Dyce player, now one of the senior figures in a youthful Saltires outfit.

However, Goudie is now looking forward to the remainder of an action-packed season.

He said: “Of course the timing of my injury was terrible – especially since it meant missing out on facing Pakistan.

“But that is in the past and I am fully fit and raring to get back into action.

“The good thing about this season is that if you miss a game or two there is still plenty to look forward to.”

With international skipper Kyle Coetzer and six other county-based stars now back down south, Goudie is aware of his 
responsibility as a senior member of the team.

However, he insists inexperience will be no excuse for failing to give the counties a run for their money.

Indeed, Goudie believes victory is a realistic possibility either against Derbyshire tomorrow or Surrey 24 hours later.

He added: “We are targeting victory every time we go on the field and the young guys are 
capable of beating a county side.

“I know we have a number of youngsters who haven’t played much at this level but most of them have had decent experience against the county second elevens which is a good breeding ground.

“For me, it’s exciting to see so many young players breaking through and I am happy to help out if they feel they can tap in to my experience.

“I’ve been around the senior squad for the best part of ten years now but I know I am not guaranteed my place.

“That’s all down to the increased competition for places and it is a great thing – everyone is on their toes and there is no room for complacency.”

Goudie’s former Stoneywood-Dyce team-mate Michael Leask is one of the younger players likely to feature this weekend following an encouraging debut against Essex.

Fellow Aberdonian Matty Cross will again take the wicket-keepers gloves while Warwickshire batsman Freddie Coleman will continue his apprenticeship.

Former Saltires seam bowler Ali Evans, who made his county championship debut last week, is not in the Derbyshire squad.