Craig Gordon’s remarkable career continued this week after the Hearts ‘keeper was called up by Steve Clarke for Scotland’s upcoming fixtures.
Scotland are due to face Croatia and Portugal this month as Clarke looks to get his Nations League campaign back on track.
The Scots suffered defeat at that the hands of the Portuguese and Poland in the last international break and sit bottom of Group A1 with no points.
However, to turn his fortunes around, Steve Clarke has called upon the services of Craig Gordon now that the Hearts goalkeeper has recovered from injury and back playing regularly for the Tynecastle side.
Sitting on 75 caps, Gordon could have the opportunity to add to his tally after his call up and speaking after the announcement, Clarke shared the promise the Hearts man made to him after his last appearance against Finland.
Clarke’s ‘hats off’ to Craig Gordon
Gordon starred in the 2-2 draw with the Fins back in July and whilst he hasn’t made a single squad since then Steve Clarke has shared what the Hearts man told him after the final whistle at Hampden.
Clarke told The Courier [print edition page 46], Craig told me that it (the Finland game) was not a farewell, and he would see me in the future so he lived up to his promise.
“He’s shown durability. He’s a good professional, somebody who just wants to prolong his playing career as long as he can. Hats off to Craig. I’m looking forward to seeing him again.”
Gordon could be crucial for Scotland
There is no doubt Gordon will be looking to win back his starting spot from current Scotland number one, Angus Gunn.
The Norwich goalkeeper has conceded 18 goals in his last eight starts for Scotland as Clarke’s men embark on a run of just one win in their last 13 games.
Wins in the next two fixtures will be crucial for Scotland to maintain their status in Pot A and to help stop the current rot of results the national team has experienced.