Lennon Backs Gordon for Scotland

Neil Lennon has defended the decision to leave Craig Gordon out of the Celtic squad for today’s match away to Hamilton Accies after the 37-year-old was linked with a move away from the club.

Despite the speculation, Lennon confirmed that it was a knee injury that kept Gordon from the squad as Scott Bain deputised for Fraser Forster on the bench. Lennon told the BBC after Celtic’s 4-1 win over Hamilton that Gordon is still good enough to play for Scotland without playing regular football.

“He’s had a sore knee for the last couple of the days. We won’t take any chances.”

Gordon was a target for a return to Hearts in a bid to force himself into Steve Clarke’s Scotland plans ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-final versus Israel; however, Lennon and Celtic blocked any bid as they felt him too important to the squad.

“I know his motivations for wanting to go out and play, but Craig is certainly good enough to be in the Scotland squad. He’s a superb professional and you may see him as the season goes on.”

Lennon’s backing Gordon could go some way to forcing Clarke to reconsider his number one goalkeeper instead of David Marshall, who has failed to impress this season with Championship strugglers Wigan Athletic.

Gordon has proven to be one of the best ‘keepers in Scotland since returning to football following a two year injury hell and could yet be part of Celtic’s plans should the club fail to negotiate a permanent return for Fraser Forster.

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Born just as Celtic were stopping the Ten, Lubo98 follows Celtic home and away and helps run his local Celtic Supporters Club. He goes to all the games and is a Law Graduate. Has a particular fondness for Tom Rogic among the current Celts and both Lubo and Henrik form his earliest Celtic memories.

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