Celtic Invincible delighted at the chance to face opposite number Manuel Neuer at Euro 2024…
Celtic Invincible goalkeeper Craig Gordon has revealed he is delighted with the Scotland draw for Euro 2024 this summertime. The Hearts goalkeeper was watching the draw closely and revealed that he was hoping to get the opportunity of a lifetime to face Manuel Neuer, the Germany number one, after both he and the German ‘keeper suffered horrific injuries lately.
The German goalkeeper has been out injured just like Gordon of late with a similar injury sustained whilst skiing and is making his way back for club and country. Gordon suffered an horrendous injury whilst playing for Hearts last Boxing Day when he broke his leg.
His recovery has been a long one but the netminder is working hard to get back to full fitness and regain that form before he was sidelined. It’s been nearly a year now and the Treble-winning Celt is itching to get back amongst the thick of the action once again.
Craig will have a job on his hands trying to oust Angus Gunn from the Scotland number one spot as the Norwich City goalkeeper has been in great form for his country since Gordon was cruelly struck down last year. Despite this, at the ripe old age of 40, the former Hoops stopper is relishing the prospect of a face-off with Neuer.
Speaking to Scotland HQ, via Football Scotland, he said: “Personally, I wanted to be against Manuel Neuer. We are both coming back from very similar injuries so I thought why not get myself back fit and take on him, who’s been through the exactly the same thing as I have.”
On the mouth-watering clash with the host nation Germany and his current revovery from that brutal leg break, he added: “Yes, it’s going to be a huge build up.” Gordon recalled. “It’s exactly what you want. The last Euros didn’t quite feel like a proper tournament and this certainly will with everything that’s going to lead up to that game.
“The opening ceremony, the warm up to the game will be so different for the players and just being a part of that whole spectacle is a huge thing to be involved in. Yes [it’s going] really well. I’m feeling good. I’ve been training for a couple of months now so it’s now just a case of waiting to see when I can get that opportunity, get back involved with the squad. So, hopefully it’s not too far away.”
Paul Gillespie