Craig Gordon is the best keeper Scotland have according to Robbie Neilson with the Hearts boss backing him to step in for David Marshall this month.
The experienced Hearts stopper produced two crucial late saves with his legs to ensure they saw out their 2-1 Championship win over Dundee on Saturday.
The stops weren’t as spectacular as others he’s made on a regular basis so far this campaign, but they were just as important.
Gordon is likely to be included in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for this month’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Austria, Israel and the Faroe Islands respectively.
Marshall has enjoyed national hero status since his penalty shoot-out heroics in Serbia back in November that saw Scotland qualify for their first major tournament since 1998.
However, an injury suffered playing for Derby County has meant he’s been unable to train and won’t feature in the Rams’ game against Barnsley this midweek.
Gordon’s fitness and form mean he’s in with a shout of regaining the gloves, although Neilson believes he’s the first pick regardless, as evidenced by his saves at the weekend.
“That's the sign of a top keeper,” Neilson told the Edinburgh Evening News. “I hope he continues to do that and I hope he gets into that Scotland squad. Saturday will definitely do him no harm. He deserves to be in that squad, 100 per cent.
“He is the best keeper we've got in my opinion. I know there are a few other keepers doing quite well down in England but, for me, Craig's experience and shot-stopping ability are there for everybody to see. He's been outstanding for us.”
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