Craig Gordon Rejoins Scotland Squad for World Cup Qualifiers
scotland manager Steve Clarke has recalled goalkeeper Craig Gordon to the national team for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Belarus. The 42-year-old has not played competitively since early May while recovering from a neck injury and is yet to feature for Hearts this season.
Gordon,capped 81 times for his contry,replaces Zander Clark in the squad. Derby county’s Max Johnston and Blackburn Rovers’ Dominic Hyam have also been omitted.
Scotland currently has four points in their qualifying group, following a 0-0 draw against Denmark and a 2-0 victory over Belarus (played in Hungary). Greece will visit Hampden Park on October 9th, with Belarus traveling to Glasgow three days later; both matches will be broadcast live on the BBC.
Greece, who defeated Belarus before losing to Denmark in Athens, hold positive memories of their last match at Hampden. In March, thay won 3-0 against Scotland in a Nations league play-off, a game which marked Gordon’s most recent international appearance.
Head coach steve Clarke has selected a reduced squad, resulting in exclusions for in-form Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland, who has scored seven goals this season, and Middlesbrough forward Tommy Conway.
Celtic full-back Anthony Ralston,who previously withdrew from a squad alongside teammate kieran Tierney,returned to club action at the weekend after a month-long absence. Angus Gunn, despite keeping two clean sheets for scotland earlier this month, has not played for Nottingham Forest since his summer transfer.Rangers goalkeeper Liam Kelly’s only appearance this season was against Alloa Athletic in the Premier Sports Cup.
