Former Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon has backed reported Bhoys target John Souttar, ahead of Hearts’ trip to Parkhead this week.
It’ll be a homecoming for Gordon, who enjoyed a trophy-laden spell with Celtic. Defying the odds laid upon him by extensive injury woes, the current Scotland goalkeeper revitalised his career at Paradise.
And Souttar, linked to Celtic last week [Sun], has had his own injury battles to seek. Gordon’s teammate for club and country is in excellent form, having overcome a brutal trio of ruptured Achilles tendons.
Gordon wants Souttar at Hearts for the long-term, but trusts he’ll make the right decision. And if anyone can relate to the lure of Celtic Park, it’s obviously the 38-year-old shot-stopper.
Gordon told Edinburgh Evening News:
“I don’t exactly know what the situation is, what the options are, what is on the table. I’m obviously not party to that. He will make a decision for what is right for him. I know he’s done tremendously well to get back from the injuries he’s had.
“For him to show that and give as much as he has to get back, it shows he’s very determined to play at the highest level. I have nothing but admiration for what he’s done in managing to come back and I’m sure he’ll make the right decision for him.”
Hype around John Souttar is unlikely to calm, and former Celtic ‘keeper Craig Gordon knows it
If Souttar was interested in a Celtic move – reports suggest England is his preferred destination – Thursday night is a massive audition for him. The Aberdeen-born centre-back will surely be looking to continue his solid form.
If you polled Celtic fans today and asked if they thought we need another centre-back, they’d likely say yes. Ask them who, and Souttar would be high on the list.
His stock is sky-high just now. And with his contract set to run out in the summer, the next couple of months will be pivotal to his career.
What he does on Thursday won’t make or break his chances of a move. But what’s clear is that Celtic will need to find ways past him under the Paradise lights.
Craig Gordon might divide opinion amongst Celtic fans but he knows what he’s talking about here. Souttar has shown incredible determination not just to recover from his injuries, but actually get substantially better. Those are the kind of mental qualities a manager like Ange Postecoglou dreams about.
There’s bound to be speculation for weeks yet. On Thursday, though, he’s going to be a key player for Hearts against Celtic.
Read more: Celtic supporters tip hat to “committed” staff member after big decision is made
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