ARTUR BORUC will come in from the Polish cold on Saturday, but it's an Indian summer which interests him most.
The former Celtic goalkeeper believes that his country can qualify for Euro 2016 and then go on to illuminate the finals. Boruc will make his first international appearance in two years as he turns out for the Group D leaders against Georgia in Warsaw and can see France on the horizon next June, at the age of 36.
Boruc has already taken Bournemouth into the Barclays Premier League and is convinced that Adam Nawalka's Poland have enough quality to help them banish their finals hoodoo. Poland have made it to four of the last six tournaments, but finished bottom of the group every time - including Euro 2012, which they co-hosted.
Boruc was voted the Poles' star man at the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008, when he was at Celtic, but the fact they now have men like Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski and midfielder Gregorz Krychowiak, who scored in Sevilla's Europa League final success last month, is giving Boruc hope.
"I believe that this team can achieve a lot," said the 35-year-old. "It has a future and quality." When asked if the Poles could achieve the Holy Grail of getting beyond the group stage in France, Boruc replied: "Of course!
"The European Championship are still some time away and while I believe that we can achieve a lot, it has only been five qualifying matches. First, we must beat Georgia on Saturday.
"The old national team I played in had a lot of personality and character, so I do not know why we had no success. Now there are few people in this one who have top status. The most important thing, is how many good players you have."
Boruc will earn his 60th cap against Georgia but his international career has stagnated since he quit Parkhead in June 2010 for Fiorentina before moving to Southampton. A season-long loan at Bournemouth saw Boruc come to form just as Wojciech Szczesny lost his place at Arsenal.
"I always accept the decision of the coach but I find it hard to endure the role of reserve keeper," said Borucr "I am not accustomed to it. The whole time I fight for a shirt with the number 1 and it will not change."
Boruc will also use his 60th cap to pay tribute to his late father, Wladyslaw Boruc, who died at the age of 59 in April 2010 from a long illness, just weeks before Artur said farewell to Celtic after five successful seasons.
"Dad will be pleased," said Boruc. "I promised him that once. Since my debut for Poland, eleven years have passed, so if I get my 60th cap, I will enjoy it. I want to fulfil the promise I gave to my dad."
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