Gordon can make Scots squad — even if he’s not playing, says Lennon

NEIL LENNON has told Craig Gordon he can rescue his Scotland career from the Celtic bench.

The veteran goalkeeper was denied his wish for a move after asking as the end of the transfer window approached.

Hearts were among the clubs considering Gordon, who is desperate for first-team football in order to salvage hopes of returning to Steve Clarke’s squad.

However, Lennon couldn’t sanction letting such a quality reserve to Fraser Forster depart with so much on the line for Celtic in the second half of the campaign.

Third-choice Scott Bain is still dealing with a thumb issue, while Conor Hazard is on loan at Dundee.

That leaves Gordon (right) fearing for his 54-cap international career with a Euro 2020 play-off against Israel looming and potentially leading to next summer’s showpiece tournament.

His manager sympathises with the plight but believes Gordon, whose

Parkhead deal expires at the end of the season, should still be under consideration by Clarke.

‘Craig is good enough to be in the Scotland squad — even if he’s not playing for us every week,’ said

Lennon. ‘That would be my opinion. I see him every day and he’s an outstanding trainer and an outstanding professional.

‘So whether he’s playing regularly or not, he’s still more than good enough to be in the Scotland squad.

‘I can totally understand where he’s coming from. It’s hard for a keeper, it’s an individual position. ‘But the club’s stance was we want him here. He’s training great, he looks great, it’s just that Fraser is our No1 choice right now.

‘Scott Bain is fit but he’s still having a bit of a problem every now and then with the thumb.’ Gordon, 37, has made one first team appearance since September 25 — the Europa League dead-rubber defeat to CFR Cluj in Romania last December.

The outstanding form of Southampton loanee Forster looks like keeping the door shut on Gordon for the foreseeable future.

National coach Clarke has snubbed Gordon to go with Wigan’s David Marshall, 34, as first choice and use Jon McLaughlin, capped against San Marino, and Craig MacGillivray as back-ups.

Meanwhile, Celtic defender Jack Hendry has suffered a serious injury while playing for loan side Melbourne City in Australia.

The 24-year-old was hurt in his team’s loss to Adelaide United on Saturday.

Melbourne City coach Erick Mombaerts said: ‘If we lose Jack for a long time it will be a big problem for us.’