Former Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon has discussed in fond terms his first trophy win with the Parkhead club. The 40-year-old is working his way back from injury and discussed this Sunday’s Viaplay Cup Final as his former team face their bitter rivals at Hampden.
Speaking to The Scotsman, Gordon recalled fondly the victory over Jackie McNamara’s Dundee United at Hampden in 2015. The ‘keeper had signed on a free agent earlier that summer having replaced Fraser Forster and proved to be a terrific signing.
“The League Cup was my first winners’ medal with Celtic. I have fond memories of the game, beating Dundee United in the final. We had a really good first season and it was my first one back after my knee troubles.
“The adrenaline of coming back and proving people wrong carried me right through that campaign. It was probably to the detriment of the season after that as I had to put so much into the comeback. But that first year was incredible and it was great to win a couple of trophies.
“That final was a big moment in my career. It’s important to everybody. It’s a major trophy and you don’t get many chances to win silverware. Players and fans will celebrate because it’s a big deal. Some people might put more importance on the Scottish Cup with the history or whatever. But it means something when you get your hands on a winners’ medal and there is no better feeling than going up those stairs at Hampden to lift a trophy.”
Celtic won the game thanks to goals from Kris Commons and James Forrest, with the winger missing a penalty late in the game. The win was the first of Ronny Deila’s first honour with the club in a season that he picked up a Double.
Gordon made 242 appearances at Celtic, winning an incredible 14 major honours in his time in the Hoops. Gordon spent six years at Celtic but following the expiry of his deal in 2020, no agreement was reached leaving the Invincible keeper free to join any club.
Hearts swooped to sign their former £9m export, who played just six games for Celtic from the beginning of 2019 up until his departure in the summer of 2020.
