Craig Gordon aiming for longevity like Gianluigi Buffon

The Hearts goalkeeper looks set to take over as Scotland number one again in the absence of David Marshall

Author: Andrew MacleanPublished 30th Aug 2021

Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon says he's taking inspiration from the longevity of Gianluigi Buffon as he prepares to return between the sticks for the national team.

The 38-year-old Hearts stopper is now in pole position to take over from David Marshall who was Steve Clarke's number one during Euro 2020.

Marshall has missed out on a call-up for the World Cup qualifiers against Denmark, Moldova and Austria after falling out of favour at Derby County.

Rangers goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin is also out as his club side battle coronavirus issues.

St Johnstone's Zander Clark and Motherwell's Liam Kelly were called up for the triple-header which left senior keeper Gordon set to win his 58th cap against the Danes in Copenhagen on Wednesday night.

The former Sunderland and Celtic player referred to Parma keeper Buffon, who won 176 caps for Italy, as he discussed his future.

Gordon said: "I focus on day-to-day, keep going forward, looking to the next game, not looking too far ahead. I feel really good and hopefully I can go for a few more years.

"I don't want to put a time limit on it and think, 'after this I will stop', I just want to keep going.

"As long as I feel this good and ready to play then there is no reason to stop.

"If I keep my body in good shape then hopefully there is still a good few more years.

"Buffon is 43 and still playing for Parma so let's see how far I can go.

"Obviously the older you get, things change and more experience comes into play rather than maybe the athleticism from before.

"But in saying that, I still feel really good, I am moving around the goal well and as long as I can do that I will still be playing and hopefully a few more caps to come.''