CRAIG GORDON is on the brink of a sensational return to the Scotland international squad.
The free agent, who quit Celtic at the end of his contract this month, is without a club, but is still in boss Steve Clarke’s reckoning with the crucial Euro 2021 semi-final due against Israel at Hampden in October.
Gordon, 37, has spent the last six years at the nine-in-a-row champions and has rejected a new deal on reduced terms from the Hoops.
The towering shotstopper has already knocked back St Mirren while former club Hearts have a two-year proposal in mind with the possibility of a 12-month extension.
English Championship outfit Derby County are also monitoring the experienced netminder’s position, as CQN reported.
Current international No.1 is 35-year-old David Marshall while back-up goalie Jon McLaughlin has just agreed a two-year switch to Steven Gerrard’s Ibrox outfit after leaving Sunderland. Squad keeper Craig MacGillivray has not played for Portsmouth since January.
Scots gaffer Clarke is hoping Gordon’s situation will be resolved soon and, speaking to the Scottish Sun, said: “Craig’s never been out of my thoughts. I’ve always had a high regard for him as a goalkeeper.
“David Marshall is first-choice for Wigan and he’s in a good place, while Liam Kelly’s also playing for Queens Park Rangers.
“Hopefully, some of the younger goalkeepers can come through.
“Robby McCrorie played at Livingston last year and it would be the same for him, because we have to look at the younger ones. David and Craig are getting on in years now.
“I’m pleased for Jon that he’s got that move to Rangers and, hopefully, he’ll get the chance to play.
“But he’ll have a fight on his hands to get Allan McGregor out the team.”
Gordon has made 54 appearances for his country and, despite only six games for Celtic last season, has insisted he is determined to get his place back in the international set-up.
