GORDON STILL MY NO 1, SAYS PACKIE

Bonner backs keeper Craig to hold on to the gloves for Scottish Cup semi-final

CELTIC great Pat Bonner has backed Craig Gordon to be the No 1 this weekend as the Hoops look to seal a William Hill Scottish Cup final spot.

The Scottish champions face Rangers in the last four at Hampden on Sunday as Brendan Rodgers’ team aim to take another step towards a double-Treble.Gordon made his return to the first team against Dundee last week after and marked his 200th Celtic appearance with a 100th clean sheet.

Earlier this week, new SportTimes columnist

John Hartson insisted he’d stick with understudy Scott Bain after his strong showing in the last derby at Ibrox.

But Bonner wasted no time in giving Gordon his whole-hearted support ahead of Sunday’s showdown.

He said: “Craig, no question. He’s fit, he’s raring to go and he produced some excellent saves in the Dundee game. I watched him in the warm down, a little training session after the previous game against the Ross County game and Craig went through a routine there that told me he was ready.

“He’s the best goalkeeper of the three, I’ve no doubt. He’s got experience, produces big saves when it matters and is good enough on the ball, and he’s got that experience about him so for me he goes straight into the team.

“Scott Bain has been nice and calm. I don’t think he’s been over-tested, to be honest. He’ll be delighted to have had that opportunity. I don’t think he would have expected that when he came. If they are going to sign him, he’d be a good signing.”