Gordon is relishing playing in big games

Craig Gordon has no problem with Scotland’s season ending so close to the start of Celtic’s next campaign as he cannot get enough big-match action.

But the goalkeeper understands that team-mate Scott Brown will have to make a decision based on his own body.

Former Sunderland keeper Gordon’s career at one stage looked to be over because of a knee injury, but he has returned to top form with club and country and is relishing the World Cup qualifier against England on June 10.

Brown will decide nearer the time whether he is available after coming out of international retirement to help manager Gordon Strachan and the team - a decision vindicated by Sunday’s 1-0 win over Slovenia, which breathed new life into Scotland’s qualifying hopes.

Celtic begin their Champions League qualifying programme on July 11-12, but Gordon is happy to see one big occasion coming hot on the heels of another after playing onematchinalmostthreeand a half years when he should have been reaching his peak.

“I just play in every game I can possibly play in,” said Gordon.

“There’s a sacrifice when you’re an international - you don’t get as much holiday time. But I had a long spell out the game so I want to play in every game I possibly can between now and the end of my career.

“This season has been great for big games, both at club level and getting into the Champions League, and also the internationals, I have managed to get myself back in the team in the last two (qualifiers).

“It’s been a season of big highs for me personally so far so I will just try and keep that going as long as possible.”

Brown benefited from a six-week break last summer but his physical improvement surprised even himself, prompting a Scotland U-turn after missing the first three qualifiers.

But Gordon thinks the 31-year-old midfielder will not be the only player whose physical shape might determine Strachan’s selection.

He said: “He’s a big player but it depends entirely on how he is physically and mentally at the end of a hard season.

“We have still got nine or 10 games to go - he has still got a big effort to put in before then.”