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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

'Get the impression': Ex-Scotland boss moots Craig Gordon recall theory

Angus Gunn's position as Scotland's number one goalkeeper has come under the spotlight once again following the recent loss against Poland. 

Scotland are currently amidst a run of just one win from their previous 13 matches and seemed to have lost the 'hard to beat' identity that helped them qualify for Euro 2024.

The contributions made by Gunn are being questioned, with the Norwich City shot-stopper failing to save two penalties during the latest defeat plus there's questions marks over how Sebastian Szymanski's long-range opener found the back of the net.

That theme isn't new though, and has been an issue since Craig Gordon and David Marshall stepped aside. Both Liam Kelly and Zander Clark, who have been Gunn's deputies in recent time, aren't currently first choice at their club's. 

Discussing the matter on BBC Sportsound, Levein put in the argument for Heart of Midlothian's Gordon to return to the national team set-up and add some calmness to the backline. His last of 75 caps came during a pre-European Championship friendly versus Finland in early June.

The former Scotland manager said: "I understand that (he's almost 42), but who's the best goalkeeper. I know that he wants to play for Scotland again. Craig Gordon is the best goalkeeper that we have. I think we could all agree on that."

(Image: PA)


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Willer Miller, who won 65 Scotland caps between 1975 and 1989, agreed that Gordon's name shouldn't be cast aside as he provided his take on the subject.

Gordon started the domestic season as Clark's understudy at Hearts but went back up the pecking order after a humiliating Scottish Premiership defeat to Dundee on August 10, and has gone on to start the past five games.

"Do you have a conversation to try and entice him back?," Miller commented. 

"I mean Craig (Levein), you said that Craig Gordon wants to come back, he wants to play.

"I think if Craig, and he is playing at a high level, then of course I think you've got to use all your resources. He wouldn't be the first one that's retired and then came back." 

Levein chimed back in and explained: "I spoke to him not long ago actually and that was the impression that I got.

"He was extremely positive about continuing to play. He missed a chunk of years, if you remember, with a problem with a tendon in his knees. I think on and off he was out for two-and-a-half seasons or something like that. 

"I think he will be looking to try and get that back at the tail end of his career. I still think he's mobile enough, I still think that he's got really good spring, he's got all the experience that you could possibly need. So, if his bodies able then certainly his mind is definitely there." 

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