Source: Northern_Echo
Gordon’s keen for Scotland run-out
CRAIG GORDON does not expect to start another match for Sunderland this season, but he is keen to test out his fitness playing for Scotland next Sunday.[LNB] Gordon has been troubled since October with the tendons in his knee and has not played since the problem worsened during the defeat to Tottenham on February 12.[LNB] But after receiving encouraging news from top Swedish specialist Professor Alfredson in the last ten days, the former Hearts goalkeeper thinks facing the Brazilians at the Emirates could be beneficial for him and Sunderland.[LNB] Gordon has been given a six week exercise programme to stick to and, having taken part in full training a couple of times, he is satisfied his knee has improved.[LNB] And while he is unlikely to be risked in the Premier League when Simon Mignolet has proven to be a more than adequate deputy, he thinks playing in a high profile friendly for Scotland could be the perfect test.[LNB] I would not rule out playing for either club or country if needed, he said. I don't expect to play in the next few weeks for Sunderland, but if I am asked to I will.[LNB] Having said that I hope to play some part on Sunday. If I was asked to play a half for Scotland then I am able to do that. I am building it up day by day. I am hopeful. I will be able to tell as the week goes on because I will step it up.[LNB] It could be a great chance for me to test it out in a big friendly. It could be an ideal scenario. It could suit everybody but only if things go well between now and then.[LNB] Last Friday, Sunderland manager Steve Bruce suggested his goalkeeper would not be able to head out on international duty because of his ongoing injury worries.[LNB] But after discussions between club and country the keeper has met up with Craig Levein's squad and hopes the Brazil match will be split between himself and Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor.[LNB] Gordon said: It would have been difficult for the club to say you can't go when they have been including me in squads themselves.[LNB] You don't want to get involved in a player versus club row. Nobody does. It's fine as far as I am concerned to go there to see their physios. I can continue my training programme while I am there.[LNB] Surgery has not been ruled out as Sunderland look to get to the bottom of Gordon's problems, but firstly they are keen to see how Prof Alfredsson's schedule goes.[LNB] Whatever happens, hopefully I will go back to see the guy and have a clearer picture of what might happen. I will be guided by him in every step of the rehab, said Gordon.[LNB] I am a little in limbo. If I feel OK I can play and train. I am hopeful that we have got it to a level where we can maintain it so I can train and play, not at 100 per cent, but certainly to take part in training until I go back to see the specialist in a few weeks time.[LNB] More than 25,000 Scotland supporters are heading to the Emirates on Sunday and it promises to be a special occasion even if it is only a friendly.[LNB] Gordon said: It will have an edge to it. Companies are putting on extra flights, trains and it's hard for people to get tickets for this game.[LNB] I know many are resorting to driving down. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to see Brazil play. The people in Scotland are ready for this one.[LNB] One Sunderland player not facing the Brazilians is Phil Bardsley. The Salford-born full-back, who qualifies for Scotland through his father, has been forced to withdraw with the injury sustained in the defeat to Liverpool.[LNB] But Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari, hoping to figure in next Tuesday's friendly with England at Wembley, has travelled to a Kenya training camp ahead of Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with Congo.[LNB] Muntari was replaced after just 19 minutes against Liverpool after tweaking his calf.[LNB]
