Craig Gordon Returns to Scotland Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Craig Gordon Returns to Scotland Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Craig Gordon Returns to Scotland Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Craig Gordon has been recalled to the Scotland squad for the upcoming home World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Belarus.

The 42-year-old goalkeeper has not played since early May and has yet to make an appearance for Hearts this season as he continues his recovery from a neck injury.

With 81 caps to his name, Gordon replaces his club-mate Zander Clark. Additionally, Derby County full-back Max Johnston and Blackburn Rovers central defender Dominic Hyam have also been omitted from the squad.

Scotland currently holds four points in the qualifiers, having started with a goalless draw against Denmark and a 2-0 victory over Belarus in Hungary.

The Greek team will visit Hampden Park on October 9, followed by Belarus three days later, with both matches set to be broadcast live on the BBC.

Greece, who recently defeated Belarus but lost to Denmark in Athens, will remember their last visit to Hampden fondly. In a Nations League playoff match in March, they overturned a 1-0 deficit from the first leg to win 3-0, marking Gordon's last international appearance.

Head coach Steve Clarke has opted for a smaller squad, which means there is no place for Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland, who has scored seven goals this season, or Middlesbrough forward Tommy Conway.

Anthony Ralston, who withdrew from the previous squad along with fellow Celtic full-back Kieran Tierney, made his return to club action over the weekend after a month on the sidelines.

Angus Gunn kept two clean sheets for Scotland earlier this month but has not played for Nottingham Forest since his summer signing, while Rangers goalkeeper Liam Kelly has only featured in a match against Alloa Athletic in the Premier Sports Cup this season.

Scotland Squad

Goalkeepers: Gordon (Heart of Midlothian), Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Kelly (Rangers)

Defenders: Hanley (Hibernian), Hendry (Al-Ettifaq), Hickey (Brentford), McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Ralston (Celtic), Robertson (Liverpool), Souttar (Rangers), Tierney (Celtic)

Midfielders: Christie (Bournemouth), Ferguson (Bologna), Gannon Doak (Bournemouth), Gilmour (Napoli), McGinn (Aston Villa), McLean (Norwich City), McTominay (Napoli), Miller (Udinese)

Forwards: Adams (Torino), Bowie (Hibernian), Dykes (Birmingham City), Hirst (Ipswich Town)

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