Craig Gordon thought his international career was over. But after fighting his way back to being Hearts number one, he has been back between the sticks for his country too.
At the ripe old age of 41, the goalkeeper was snubbed by Steve Clarke for Euro 2024 and appeared to be given his farewell appearance at Hampden in a friendly against Finland.
It was understandable, Gordon had spent last season as understudy to Zander Clark at club level. But this campaign saw injury strike his fellow international and the experienced campaigner now finds himself ahead in the pecking order both for the Jambos and the national team.
He has since taken his opportunity on the international scene. Called up for the double-header against Croatia and Poland, he was expected to be back-up again until Angus Gunn pulled out injured.
Hearts keeper Gordon stars as Scotland draw with Portugal
The stalemate with the Portuguese was the first point gained in the Nations League and a more than creditable one against the top seeds.
Gordon played a massive part on his 77th cap with a number of saves, particularly a late one to deny Bruno Fernandes.
And visiting boss Roberto Martinez was full of praise for an “incredible” performance.
He said (Abola): “The opponent also plays and after 60 minutes they remained in a low block. The important thing is that we had the energy to defend. The danger in these games is thinking that you have control and then you suffer on the counter attack… We kept the goal at zero, we controlled it, we lacked the final pass and the magic inside the area.
“Their goalkeeper was incredible, he missed the goal, but the performance was positive, we have even more players now, it has increased the competitiveness for the positions. It was positive, a win and a draw.
“We lost a game that we could lose against Georgia . There are not many teams that do not suffer defeats. My responsibility is to look at new concepts. The results are a consequence of the performances. The demands are maximum. And now we deserved the victory.”
Gordon still going strong for Hearts and Scotland at 41
There have been questions over whether the 41-year-old should still be playing for his club, let alone country, at that age. But he has answered them.
Gordon has started the last 10 games for Hearts and is keeping out a talented keeper in his own right in Clark.
With the other goalie from the Euros, Liam Kelly also sitting on the bench for Rangers and a dearth of other options there is absolutely no reason the elder statesman should not be in there. He showed as much last night.