Craig Gordon Expresses Determination to Maintain Scotland’s No.1 Goalkeeper Position

Few observers of Scotland’s final friendly against Finland before Euro 2024 would have anticipated Craig Gordon emerging as a key player in the subsequent Nations League campaign. The experienced goalkeeper, who had been excluded from the Euros squad, entered the match at Hampden to earn his 75th cap in what many considered his final appearance for Scotland. However, Gordon has consistently demonstrated an ability to overcome adversity throughout his career. He had previously expressed his determination to regain a place in Steve Clarke’s plans, and an injury sustained by Angus Gunn provided an opening, which he has capitalized on by excelling since returning to the starting lineup. Crucial saves made by Gordon during Scotland’s narrow victory against Poland Warsaw secured a relegation play-off scheduled for March. A point of discussion remains whether Gordon, who will be 42 years old by that time, will be available to participate. The Hearts goalkeeper stated, “I think I’m just quite lucky. Let’s see if I can still be here in March at 42 to have another couple of games, and then hopefully try and stay at this level. I still have the motivation of course, that never goes away, and just as long as I can keep my body in good shape then I give myself an opportunity. It’s brilliant that I’m still at this level, and hopefully we can stay in Group A which would be a huge achievement. I’d love to try and still be part of it. There’s a lot of hard work to be done between now and March to stay at this level and make sure that I’m fit enough to be able to do that.” Gordon’s display in Warsaw was particularly noteworthy given that he had been feeling unwell in the period leading up to the match. He further commented, “Yeah I was struggling, even in the warm-up. But I was determined to give it go a go. It was a struggle but I managed to get through it. I don’t really know how, I think just when you get out there, instinct takes over and you just play the game.”