Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon has provided an encouraging update on his fitness, saying that he is close to being fully fit as the start of the Scottish Premiership season draws near.
Speaking to Celtic View (Volume 55, Issue 3, Page 18-21) [via 67hailhail.com], the 36-year-old reflected positively on his comeback appearance in the 0-0 friendly draw against Rennes earlier this month.
Gordon told Celtic View [via 67hailhail.com]: “It was a good first opening game for me, and I’m ready to push on and get more. I played 60 minutes and felt good.
“I felt good when I was out there and I was able to kick well, so I was confident with how my knee felt. I need to try and get myself fit first and get 90 minutes under my belt.”
A knee injury picked up by Gordon in March ultimately ended his involvement in Celtic’s 2018/19 season, with Scott Bain making the number one slot his own.
The 36-year-old had been in decent form earlier in the season, conceding just 14 goals in 18 Premiership appearances (0.77 per game) and keeping nine clean sheets (50% of total).
However, Bain’s statistics were even more impressive, with the former Dundee goalkeeper letting in only six goals in 20 Premiership games (0.3 per game) and achieving 15 clean sheets (75% of total).
With Bain featuring in all three of Celtic’s Champions League qualifying games so far, and after such an imperious record last season, it seems most likely that he will be Neil Lennon’s first choice for the upcoming campaign.
Gordon’s return at least ensures that there is some experienced backup to 27-year-old Bain, although it still leaves just two goalkeepers in Celtic’s first-team squad.
If Gordon’s injury problems had continued, or if they reoccur, that would leave Lennon dipping into the youth and reserve teams for cover.
Reserve goalkeeper Conor Hazard, with one first-team appearance totalling 19 minutes in the season before last, would have had to be called upon in that instance, and he may still be asked to step up if either Bain or Gordon become unavailable.
Gordon’s return from injury should come as a massive relief to Lennon, but going into the season with only two senior goalkeepers is not ideal for Celtic, especially with their European campaign having started on July 9th.
Also, with Gordon turning 37 in December and prone to some horrendous mistakes, as highlighted by David Walton for 67hailhail.com, the Hoops could still do with one more reliable, experienced ‘keeper to beef up their options between the sticks. At least Gordon being back in action partially alleviates what had been a pressing need to add a goalkeeper to the squad.
Celtic fans, do you still think Lennon needs to sign a goalkeeper in the coming weeks despite Gordon returning from injury? Let us know your views in the comments section below!
