Former Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon vows comeback bid in first statement after horror leg injury

By John McGinley

December 30, 2022

Former Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon has vowed he will attempt to walk the road of recovery and make a footballing comeback after suffering a horror leg injury on Christmas Eve.

The Hearts man collided at speed with Dundee United forward Steven Fletcher at Tannadice, breaking his leg in multiple places. He was rushed to Ninewells Hospital and underwent surgery the next day.

The injury is expected to keep him out of action for an extended period which, due to his turning 40 tomorrow, is the kind of setback that could put his career at risk. Gordon, however, has promised to attempt the comeback even if some are writing him off.

Writing on Instagram tonight, the Scotland international said: “I’ve played this game long enough to know that I can’t take anything for granted, and when I’ve been ‘written off’ with injuries before, every game is one more than at times, I thought I might get. I know what lies ahead as I’ve walked this road before and I’ll do it again, albeit on crutches for now.

“Our medical team did a great job on the pitch. The staff and surgeons at Ninewells Hospital who performed my surgery on Christmas Day, and all those who looked after me were brilliant. The club, my teammates and everyone who has sent messages for my family and I, you have all helped in giving me the best start to my recovery and I’m truly grateful. 40 tomorrow, I’ve not done too bad considering! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I’ll see you soon, CG.”

Celtic fans know fine well that Gordon can live up to these words, having witnessed him come back from a potential retirement years ago to start starring for the Hoops.

He rejuvenated his career at Celtic Park after a number of injury setbacks in England. It had been unclear whether he would ever play at a decent level again. He had even already started to transition into punditry.

The goalkeeper went on to make 242 appearances for the Bhoys, winning a barrel load of trophies in the most successful period of his career by far.

Writing him off with this history behind seems folly, though it is undoubtedly an even tougher rehabilitation this time around.

We wish him the best of luck!

In other news, Celtic squad latest ahead of Rangers as Haksabanovic, Ralston and Taylor aim for derby.