Former Aberdeen striker, Noel Whelan, tipped Craig Gordon to sign a new contract with Celtic, which would include a coaching role with the U23s.
The veteran goalkeeper’s contract is up with Celtic in the summer and he will have a decision to make. Currently, he finds himself down the pecking order due to the presence of Fraser Forster. However, it is unknown whether or not Forster will extend his stay with the champions, which could potentially leave the door open for Gordon to return to the number one spot if Lennon favours him ahead of Scott Bain.
Speaking to Football Insider, Noel Whelan said: “Craig Gordon might want to finish his career off playing regularly. As much as you get to a certain point where you like being at a club, when you know you are not first choice, sitting on the bench is not enough. He will want to finish his career playing.”
Despite those comments, Whelan did go on to suggest another avenue for Gordon if he remains at Celtic. “The other option is him being at Celtic in a coaching capacity. It is something you have got to look at. He could sign a new contract coaching with the U23s, still as a player but not a regular. One that is turned to if and when you need him.”
Ultimately, the decision will be up to Craig Gordon and he will be well placed to decide his next move. Whelan touched on this point at the close of his interview: “Craig has done so much in the game and he needs to assess what he wants from the next three or four years. I think coaching would be absolutely brilliant. He will be thinking about it.”
Gordon has previously worked in a coaching capacity with Dumbarton, whilst spending two years out of the game with a major knee injury back in 2011. He then returned to playing action when Celtic took him on in 2014, and the stopper did a sublime job on his return to action. He was an ever-present in the invincible treble winning season and only fell out of favour when Scott Bain impressed in Gordon’s enforced absence through injury.
The 37-year old has made six appearances this campaign, initially appearing to have regained his number one spot at the start of the season. However, Fraser Forster’s loan deal with the club put paid to that. The matter will need to be resolved between club and player in the coming weeks.
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