Neil Lennon has confirmed that Craig Gordon will regain the Celtic goalkeeper’s jersey for the game against Partick Thistle – saying the 36-year-old deserves to feature.
Gordon hasn’t featured since the 4-1 away victory over AIK last month, after being thrust to the side following the signing of Fraser Forster.
But Lennon clearly still sees a role for the former Scotland number one with his side fighting it out on four fronts this season.
Thistle appearance should give Gordon belief
Lennon’s comments on keeping Gordon motivated are the most interesting. It would be very easy for the Northern Irishman to play Forster in every match right now. Goalkeepers don’t face the same problems in terms of fatigue as outfielders and that means they can usually play more games per season.
But Lennon is clearly thinking of the bigger picture and making sure that he has at least two goalkeepers ready to step up if needs be. Gordon is more likely to perform well in training if he thinks there’s a chance of him playing first-team football. If he sees himself as a permanent number two then his productivity and application would undoubtedly decrease. That’s just human nature.
On the flip side, Forster being kept on his toes is no bad thing. If the Englishman thinks he has proper competition that he is less likely to slip into a slump too.
It’s clever management all round for Lennon.
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