Of all the stories surrounding Celtic’s League Cup success Craig Gordon’s tale is probably the most far fetched.
Twelve months ago the keeper was trying to defy the medics by training at the state-of-the-art Murray Park academy in-between various media gigs where it was almost assumed that his playing career was over.
His £9m transfer was distant news as was the award of having made the best save in the history of the Premiership during those Sunderland days.
A return to Hearts may have been a possibility and the chance of helping his former club back towards the top flight but with his medical background even the Edinburgh side would have thought twice before committing themselves to any sort of contract.
Fraser Forster’s imminent departure and Ronny Deila’s arrival at Celtic provided an unlikely set of circumstances that provided Gordon with his big opportunity.
Four clean sheets later and the likeable keeper appeared the happiest man inside Hampden as he led his two young daughters round Hampden taking in the adulation of the Celtic support.
“This is probably right at the very top,” he admitted afterwards. “To come back from not playing for two years to get back to this level and to win a cup final, that took more this time around than it did the first time and that’s why it’s so special.
“I’m enjoying my football more than ever now, especially because it came so close to never happening again. I’m so thankful I’ve been able to get back to this level and to be able to win another cup final.
“I’m going to make sure I enjoy it and hopefully we can continue on a very successful season.”
With one trophy secured Gordon has his sight set on another two trophies to complete a dream season back in the game.