CRAIG GORDON was probably the only player to put in an outstanding performance for Celtic at Ibrox last season. His resolute display kept the score down and had a Callum McGregor equaliser not been narrowly flagged for offside – the benefit of the doubt would have been extended had the boot been on the other foot – Celtic could have left there with a point on 29 December.
The winter break followed and when the team got back to business towards the end of January, Gordon found himself on the bench as Brendan Rodgers looked to introduce Scott Bain, with his better distribution skills, to the side.
A training ground injury followed which gave Dorus de Vries some games sitting on the Celtic substitutes bench towards the end of last season, before finally hanging up his boots at the end of his extended contract at Parkhead.
Gordon returned for his first action of the year in the recent friendly against French cup winners Rennes. The former Sunderland and Hearts keeper managed an hour in that match as he continues to work his way back to full fitness. He has been encouraged by Neil Lennon’s insistence that he has NOT made his mind up on which keeper will be regarded as Celtic’s Number 1, first pick keeper.
Yet it is Scott Bain who has the gloves and Craig Gordon has been in the game long enough to know the significance of that. He also knows that things can change quickly in football. He just has to reflect on his outstanding display against the Rangers at Ibrox at the end of last year and what followed for him personally to prove that point.
Speaking to the new edition of the Celtic View, Gordon reflected on his return to action in that hour he played against Rennes.
“It was probably the right amount for the first game back,” the big keeper said.
“I felt good when I was out there and I was able to kick well so I was confident with how the knee felt. It was a good first opening for me and I’m ready to push on and get more.
“I need to try and get myself fit first and get 90 minutes under my belt. Once I’ve proven to myself and everyone here that I can complete 90 minutes then it gives me a shot to get in the team.
“It’s up to me to train as well as I can to force that to happen.
“I still want to play as many games as I possibly can in the season but that’ll be up to the manager.
“I’ll give it everything I possibly can to make sure it happens and then we’ll see where we go from there.”
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— Celtic View (@CelticView) July 23, 2019
Also on The Celtic Star…
Niall J previews tonight’s crucial match in the Champions League against the Champions of Estonia…see HERE.
Matt Corr’s fascinating look at an early Celtic Legend and there’s the chance to watch a fascinating video from Celtic in action in the Scottish Cup away in Fife in January 1923…see HERE.
Neil Lennon’s interesting press conference from yesterday when he talks about Arsenal’s fading chances of signing Kieran Tierney and much, much more…see HERE.
David Potter looks back to Celtic’s baptism of fire in European football in this outstanding contribution to The Celtic Star…see HERE.
Lewis Morgan is loving playing for Celtic and has been blown away by the atmosphere at Paradise…see HERE.
Listen to Lewis Morgan’s Media Conference below…
