Craig Gordon Returns to Scotland Squad Despite Sitting Out Hearts’ Season
Craig Gordon has made a surprising return to the Scotland squad, despite not featuring for Hearts this season.
The 42-year-old last appeared for Hearts on 3 May and missed Scotland’s June friendlies and the early World Cup qualifiers due to a slipped disc in his neck.
He has been back in full training since early September, but was absent from Hearts’ matchday squad on Saturday after picking up a minor hamstring issue.
Yet, Gordon has been called up by Steve Clarke, replacing Tynecastle team-mate Zander Clark in the squad ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Belarus.
Defenders Max Johnston and Dom Hyam, meanwhile, have dropped out of the 23-man squad.
Here’s your Scotland squad for October’s Hampden Park double-header.
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️ https://t.co/BRhAhPtmc4#SCOGRE | #SCOBLR pic.twitter.com/GVQbWrJoLS— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) September 30, 2025
Clark, who previously guarded the St Johnstone goal, recently lost his starting spot at Hearts to new German signing Alexander Schwolow. Gordon now joins Angus Gunn and Liam Kelly as Scotland’s goalkeeping options.
Gunn impressed with two clean wastes as Scotland began their qualifying crusade with four points from down matches against Denmark and Belarus.
Still, he has yet to make his debut for Nottingham Forest. Kelly, on the other hand, has featured only once for Rangers this season, in a game against Alloa.
Clarke has decided to maintain a settled team for the Hampden double title, with no reserves called up for Johnston and Hyam.
Johnston started in Scotland’s 2-0 victory over Belarus and has played every minute of Derby’s three games since. Wrexham defender Hyam also played the full 90 minutes against Derby on Saturday.
Returning from injury, Anthony Ralston and Kieran Tierney are back in the squad after missing the previous selection.
Scotland fans will now be watching closely as Gordon, one of the country’s most experienced goalkeepers, attempts a remarkable comeback on the international stage.
