Scotland: Gordon can’t go to Euros out of ‘sentiment’ – McFadden

Craig Gordon shouldn’t be taken to the Euros out of “sentiment” and must be ready to play, says former Scotland team-mate James McFadden.

The 41-year-old Hearts captain was named alongside fellow Tynecastle goalkeeper Zander Clark – as well as Angus Gunn and Liam Kelly – in Steve Clarke’s provisional squad for next month’s tournament.

Having returned to action earlier this year following a double leg break at the tail end of 2022, Gordon has struggled to force his way back into the Hearts team, which concerns McFadden.

“The best Craig Gordon is better than Zander Clarke, but if Craig’s back to his best, he should be playing every week for Hearts and he hasn’t been,” he told BBC’s Football Daily podcast.

“I get the experience, a fantastic goalkeeper. One of the best I’ve played with. I’d love him to go to the Euros, but not out of sentiment.

“He has to be at the level to be ready to play. If he’s not, as terrible as this sounds, he shouldn’t be there.”

The Times’ Scottish football correspondent Michael Grant expects Gordon’s wealth of experience to earn him a seat on the plane.

“I don’t think Craig Gordon is back in the squad for no reason, he said. “I think Craig’s experience will count heavily is his favour with Steve Clarke.

“Gunn is the first choice goalkeeper, I suspect if he goes down to three goalkeepers it’ll be Clark and Gordon who go with him.”