Craig Gordon has spoken out about his ‘Leigh Griffiths’ treatment under Alex McLeish.
When Gordon Strachan was Scotland boss the hoops keeper was the clear first choice for his country, adding to the cap tally that had been halted by three seasons out of action due to a career threatening injury.
McLeish selected Gordon for the first match of this season, against World Cup semi-finalists Belgium, but has gone with Allan McGregor for the competitive matches against Albania and Israel
Greegsy, who was given an international ban in 2009 following the Boozegate incident with Barry Ferguson, was given a rest from facing Portugal on Sunday with Gordon handed the thankless task of trying to shore things up behind McLeish’s dodgy defence.
The Daily Record reports:
But asked if he felt being thrown in against top class opposition was particularly harsh, Gordon said: “Yes – that hasn’t been lost on me but that’s the situation and those are the games I’ve been asked to play in.
“We lost seven goals in those matches but when you play against the best teams in the world there is every chance that will happen.
“I haven’t spoken to the manager. I want to play in every game but he has his job to do. He’s going to pick the team and I’ll play whenever I’m asked to and support whoever else is playing when I’m not.”
Next month Scotland have two competitive matches against Albania and Israel which Gordon seems certain to be second choice for.
Sunderland’s Jon McLaughlin is currently Scotland’s third choice goalkeeper.