No more Mr Benchwarmer?
Gordon’s fine with his feet but it could just be the manager sending out a wee message early in his reign. It doesn’t do any harm to let everyone know that no one is safe.
If Gordon was going through a slight slump, this might be the kick up the backside to help him regain focus.
Because there is no doubt who is tops when they are on their game. Gordon copped flak for some of the goals he lost in Europe last season but if it wasn’t for him over the past two years, Celtic’s results would have been far worse.
It can’t have been easy for him either, having to play behind about 40 different back fours last term, several of them containing Efe Ambrose. But there are things he can do to get back in. Like ditching the nice guy routine.
Take the comedy goal he conceded in Israel. When you watch it again it’s clear he was hardly helped by Saidy Janko running in to him like a hen with no heid.
But Gordon should be clearing his team-mate out.
Come out and claim it, clattering anyone or anything in his way, no matter what colour of shirt. Defenders don’t even mind it. They love nothing more than having a monster in behind them.
If a keeper is quite happy to deck a few team-mates then at least strikers know they are in for a few dull ones.
If Gordon starts clattering Kolo Toure in training, his manager will take notice again.
It’s time for Mr Nice to get nasty.