Going after the record held by Essam El-Hadary might be too much to ask.
When the Egyptian keeper appeared in the 2018 World Cup at the ripe old age of 45 years and 161 days, it made him the tournament’s oldest player ever. But incredibly, Scotland stopper Craig Gordon fancies grabbing second spot on that list. The Hearts number one will turn 40 on Hogmanay. But it’s unthinkable that he won’t be between the sticks when our qualifying campaign for Euro 2024 starts in March.
Gordon might be a veteran for club and country but has shown no recent signs of slowing up. And national team boss Steve Clarke has now revealed that his goalie wants to be in the USA, Canada and Mexico for the next World Cup in 2026. By that point, Gordon will be 43 - tucked just in behind El-Hadary in second spot. But Clarke is refusing to rule out given the form he’s in at Hearts.
His strength of character, allied to a physical condition that belies his years, makes the manager believe that Gordon’s ambition might just be achievable. Ahead of next week’s friendly against Turkey, he said: “When you look at Craig’s physical appearance, he’s physically fit and looks after himself.
“He had that long spell out in the middle of his career when he didn’t play so he’s determined to play as long as he can. After the disappointment of not getting to the World Cup, David Marshall decided that he was going to retire.
“But Craig was immediately on my shoulder saying: ‘Gaffer, I want to go to the next tournament’. He doesn’t just want to go to Euro 2024, he wants to go to the World Cup in 2026 if he can.
“That’s good news. Is it feasible? He mentioned keepers who have played at the World Cup in their 40’s. Craig will be 43 - but he’s got his eye on it. He’s assured me he’s going to try and play until he’s 50.”
The future of Scottish goalkeeping is a concern, though, for Clarke. We’re coming to the end of a golden period where Gordon, Marshall and Allan McGregor ensured we were never short of quality in that position.
The likes of Liam Kelly looks to be an able deputy at international level while he’s captain of Motherwell. And young Robby McCrorie desperately needs games and experience if he’s going to fulfil his undoubted potential.
But Clarke would like to have more options. That’s why he admits he’s constantly looking for potential challengers - anywhere in the world - to Gordon as number one.
He said: “Craig is our number one, we know that. But I’ve shown that it doesn’t matter the level of the game - if someone needs a cap, I’ll play them.
“I’ll have a chat with Stevie Woods and John Carver next week and we’ll decide the best way to go with the goalkeepers in Turkey. I’d like to find another couple of young ones. I’m still looking.
“We’re watching all the time and exploring one or two avenues. But nothing real has come up so far.
“Robby has got all the attributes to be a top goalkeeper but he needs game time to work on decision making on the pitch. He needs experience.
“Liam is playing every week for Motherwell and if he has to play, I’ve got no qualms about putting him in the team. I’ve also got Jon McLaughlin at Rangers but I want to keep young Robby involved because of his age, that’s why he’s in the squad. At the moment, we’ll keep looking and working with what we’ve got.”
The disappointment of not making it to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar hit home for Clarke last week when squads were being announced. But it has only made him hungrier to succeed, starting with those Euro 2024 qualifiers that kick off next year.
In a group with Spain and Erling Haaland’s Norway holds no fears for him. And later in 2023, he'll get the chance to beat the Auld Enemy at Hampden in a match to mark the SFA’s 150th anniversary.
Clarke said: “This is when it hits you a little bit, in terms of the World Cup. When you’re not involved, it’s disappointing.
“But we have to use that to drive us forward and make sure we qualify for the next tournament - and the one after that. I’m excited about our Euro 2024 qualifying group. The teams can take points off each other, which makes it competitive.
“We want to qualify so we have to finish first or second. The games will be tough but sometimes I think it’s better to have that.
“Then you know you’ll be 100 percent focused on every game because every single point in the group is going to be important. It’s a good game to have the England game as well for our 150th anniversary. It’s great that they’ve agreed to play us because it’s always a good night when we go up against each other.
“We’re looking forward to it. I was sitting next to Gareth Southgate at Southampton last week and we had a little chat. He’s looking forward to the reception he’ll get when he walks out at Hampden.”
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