We’re in with a shout now ‘complete’ player Scott has returned
SAYS CRAIG GORDON
CRAIG GORDON is backing “complete” player Scott Brown to help haul Scotland back from the World Cup brink.
The Celtic No.1 and his midfield mate are both set to start Sunday’s win-orbust clash against Slovenia at Hampden.
Brown’s decision to play in the game has offered the squad a huge boost.
Despite complaints from certain sections of the support who feel he should not have been recalled after announcing his retirement from international football, the Hoops skipper remains a key man.
Scotland boss Gordon Strachan has been steadfast in his backing of the midfielder and Gordon says Brown is ready to repay the faith with a display that marks him down as more than just an enforcer.
The keeper said: “Scott is a good leader but is also a really good player. He keeps it neat and tidy but his passing is a lot better than he gets credit for.
“He’s a complete midfield man. He can break up play, dictate the tempo and he is aggressive. He gives you everything.
“Some people think he’s just a hard man but he is so much more than that.
“He is a driving force and a vital part of how we play at Celtic and it’s the same with the national team.”
While Brown will be trying to keep things ticking over in the engine room, Gordon looks set for the job of blanking out the opposition.
Allan McGregor got the nod against Canada in the midweek friendly but the Parkhead No.1 is favourite to regain the position he held for the last qualifier against England at Wembley four months ago.
If Gordon does play it will be his 46th cap and edge him closer to his target of reaching the half century.
As far as he’s concerned Sunday is not about personal gain but about the team.
And Gordon is adamant that with just four points on the board from the first four games in Group F and the chances of making it to Russia 2018 slipping away, this is a match Scotland simply must win.
He said: “We played well at Wembley but didn’t take our chances and were punished. However, if we keep playing like that we’ll start to pick up points.”