Craig Gordon has credited the work of Hearts goalkeeping coach Paul Gallacher as a big factor in him being in his best form for a long time.
The stopper earned a recall to the Scotland squad for the first time in two years for next week’s massive Euro 2020 play-off final in Serbia.
And he’s also helped his club win Championship points and reach their second successive Scottish Cup final in the last two weeks.
But it’s not simply a case of him chucking the gloves on and being ready to go.
At 37, Gordon has had to adapt his routine to stay on top of his game, and he revealed how ‘Gal’ has been a massive help in getting him ready to perform the way he has been.
“I’m playing well and I’m happy with how I feel physically,” he said. “I’m playing in a team that’s winning matches and that always helps.
“Paul Gallacher’s been great since I came in. It’s been a new challenge for him to train a slightly older goalkeeper.
“He’s probably not been used to that and had to adapt to that a little bit but he’s been great and got me in great shape.
“I’m really looking forward to games, training’s been good so everything’s really helped to put me in this position so I can go out and perform.”
After a long period of inaction, did Gordon have any doubts over whether he could get back to the level expected of him?
“Not really,” he said. “I’ve had periods out not playing and injuries plenty of time in my career so it’s unfortunately something I’ve had to get used to and deal with.
“I knew that if I could get myself physically in good shape and prepare well for the games then I’d give myself a good chance.
“As I said, Paul Gallacher’s been brilliant since I came in, making sure I look after myself and the training’s at a good level.
“Not too much that he’s killing me though! I can’t do as much training as I used to when I was a bit younger.
“But he’s realised that and really helped me to prepare for the games.”
