NEIL LENNON is attempting to persuade Craig Gordon to stay at Celtic after the keeper admitted he may be forced to quit the champions next month.
The former Scotland international keeper, who celebrates his 37th birthday on New Year’s Eve, has lost his Hoops’ place to the returning Fraser Forster, who agreed a season-long loan deal from Southampton in August.
Gordon started the 2-0 Europa League loss to Cluj in Romania last week and afterwards stated his desire for regular first-team action as he tries to force his way into international boss Steve Clarke’s plans for the Euro 2020 play-offs in March.
Lennon had a meeting with the experienced shotstopper to tell him of his desire to keep the former Hearts and Sunderland No.1 at the champions, despite the goalie’s deal expiring in the summer.
The Parkhead gaffer, speaking to the Evening Times, said: “I’ve had a wee chat with Craig. He’s a player I’d be loath to let go because he’s a quality goalkeeper.
“Fraser Forster is the number one and if anything happened to him then Craig is a ready-made replacement to step in.
“From a selfish point of view, we want him to stay. He might have his own principles and want to leave. It’s a situation not of Craig’s making.
“He’s a great pro and I get the fact he might want to play more games.”
Gordon was on the substitutes’ bench again yesterday with Forster in charge of the gloves in the 2-0 Premiership win over Hibs to maintain the Hoops’ two-point lead at the top of the table as they eye nine in a row.
The game in Romania was only his sixth appearance in the top side this season.
