CRAIG GORDON is gearing up for a battle for the gloves with Scott Bain after missing out in the second half of Celtic’s historic treble treble season.
The 36-year-old Scotland international keeper has not made a competitive appearance in 2019, but aims to rectify that situation in this campaign.
Ex-boss Brendan Rodgers brought in Bain for the first game after the turn of the year – the 3-0 Scottish Cup win over Airdrie – and the former Dundee No.1 remained in place in the silverware run-in.
Gordon’s cause wasn’t helped when he sustained a knee injury and veteran Dutchman Dorus De Vries took over as back-up and was on the substitutes’ bench in the 2-1 Scottish Cup Final win over Hearts in May.
The ex-£9million Sunderland shotstopper is now in his final year of his contract and realises he is being confronted with a massive season at club and country level.
Gordon played an hour of the goalless draw against Rennes at the weekend and, speaking to this week’s Celtic View, said: “It was probably the right amount for the first game back.
“I felt good when I was out there and I was able to kick well, so I was confident with how the knee felt. It was a good first opening for me and I’m ready to push on and get more.
“I need to try and get myself fit first and get 90 minutes under my belt. Once I’ve proven to myself and everyone here that I can complete 90 minutes then it gives me a shot to get in the team.
“It’s up to me to train as well as I can to force that to happen.
“I still want to play as many games as I possibly can in the season, but that’ll be up to the manager.
“I’ll give it everything I possibly can to make sure it happens and then we’ll see where we go from there.”
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Celtic v Nomme Kalju tonight – only in your champion CQN.
