‘I’M DELIGHTED WITH MY RECORD,’ GORDON
CRAIG GORDON enjoyed his milestone evening even if Celtic stumbled to a 0-0 draw against Dundee at Parkhead last night.
It wasn’t the most impressive performance from the Hoops, but, at least, they edged closer to a seventh successive title as they moved 10 points clear of Aberdeen.
The 35-year-old keeper made his 200th appearance for the champions and also posted his 100th shut-out.
Gordon said: “I was stuck on 199 appearances and 99 clean sheets, so there were a couple of months of waiting. To do it in the same game is very satisfying for me.
“A 50 per cent clean sheet is a great record for any goalkeeper at any club, in any league, so I’m delighted with that.
“I probably didn’t think it would be possible to play 200 games for Celtic. I hoped it would be but that was probably beyond my expectations when I came here.”
The Scotland international No.1 said: “I thought we handled their attack fairly well, especially in the second-half. From that point of view, we’re happy, but we obviously didn’t get the goal that would have won us the game.
“However, it was great to get back only nine-and-a-half weeks after scans indicated it would be a lot longer. My knee was in a brace for five weeks, so four-and-half weeks from getting the brace off to playing has been a quick turnaround.
“I’m 35 now, so when these things come along, even if the worst-case scenario is career-ending, I’ve still done remarkably well to come back. It’s easier for me now.”
On-loan Dundee shotstopper Scott Bain has been in charge for the past three games and Gordon admitted that he now faces a fight to regain the No.1 spot.
He added: “Scott’s been in the team over the last two or three games. He’s had a couple of clean sheets and decent performances. I’ll need to work hard.
“I was happy with my performance against Dundee. I thought I read the game quite well, which is always something that takes a little bit of time coming back, so I was happy with that.”
Read more from Celtic Quick News …
- BLANKETY BLANK IN CELTIC’S STARTER FOR 10
- ‘WELCOME BACK, CRAIG,’ SAYS RODGERS
- MADDEN IN CHARGE AT HAMPDEN
- ‘IBROX WAS FAN-TASTIC,’ LUSTIG
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