Craig Gordon has suggested that he may have to move on in January in order to find first team football for himself. The 36-year-old spoke in the aftermath of playing his first game since 25 September, as reported by the Scottish Sun.
Gordon has resurrected his career at the Scottish Champions following two years in football’s wilderness. Unfortunately, it is the man that he replaced at Celtic – Fraser Forster – that has taken his place in goals for Celtic following his return on loan from Southampton.
Celtic lost 2-0 in Romania to Cluj and with the match being a dead rubber, Neil Lennon gave a few of his fringe players the opportunity to get some minutes on the pitch. Gordon was pleased to be on the pitch again despite the fact that his contract is due to expire in the summer.
“I want to play games and not playing is going to hurt a bit.
“I’m getting towards the latter stages of my career so every chance I get is a chance to take.
“You never know what’s going to happen as it’s the last year of my contract so January is going to be a big month.
“I’ve not had any talks with anyone at Celtic. I’m not had any offers or any talks whatsoever.
“There are a few people in similar situations as it’s been a busy time regarding contracts at the club with players getting fixed up.”
Gordon has been Number 2 to Fraser Forster since the Englishman returned to Celtic in the summer on a loan deal. The ‘keeper, who will turn 37 this month, is ready to call time on his Celtic career in order to find first team football.
“I don’t think at any stage of my career I’ve ever been happy sitting on the bench.
“I want to play as many games as I can. It’s unfortunate this season for one reason or another it’s not happened.
“I don’t know Celtic’s position but I want to play games. If that’s not here then I have to look at my options and see what comes in January.”
Another incentive for Gordon is the prospect of Scotland facing Israel in the Euro 2020 play-off in March, which Gordon hopes he can play a part in should he force his way into Steve Clarke’s plans.
“For my personal situation we have Scotland matches coming in March. We have an opportunity to get to a major finals and I’d love to be a part of that.
“I’d love to get back playing and give the Scotland manager something to think about, to try to get back into the squad.
“I want to try to help the country achieve something we haven’t done for quite some time.”
However, Gordon did all but confirm that he was looking at his exit strategy as he looks to start in goals more. Gordon openly suggested that he will be considering his options but refused to be drawn into where he wanted to go.
“But it’s very early days. I don’t know what’s available or who’s looking for goalies.
“We’re still a few weeks from the window opening up. We’ll see what’s possible and see what comes up.”
Gordon has been a successful part of the Celtic team in the past few years and has made some incredible saves in his time at the club. As much as it would be a shame to see a loyal servant leave, Fraser Forster is a superior goalkeeper and it is obvious that he is Neil Lennon’s ideal man. Celtic should seek to get Forster’s future sorted if Craig Gordon is to depart.
