At 43 years old, Craig Gordon has become the oldest player at the World Cup, a remarkable achievement for the Scotland and Hearts goalkeeper.
Gordon forced his way back into Steve Clarke’s squad despite his advancing years, proving his fitness and determination to compete at the highest level.
The veteran keeper is currently out of contract at Hearts, meaning his club future remains unresolved regardless of what happens in the tournament.
Gordon is locked in a battle with Angus Gunn for the starting position in Scotland’s Group C opener against Haiti this weekend.
When asked about his future, Gordon offered no firm commitments, saying retirement after the tournament remains a genuine possibility he has not dismissed.
“No not yet. I’m just enjoying the moment,” he said when pressed on what lies ahead for him after the World Cup concludes.
“It’s been a tough year to get to this point, to get myself in the position physically to be able to compete at this level,” he added.
Gordon acknowledged there will come a defining moment when he knows the time to step away has finally arrived.
“There will come that moment, whether that’s now or next year. We will cross that bridge when we come to it,” he said.
“I think I’ll know when that moment is. Right now, it’s just about making sure my body is in the best possible way to play this World Cup,” Gordon continued.
His path back into the squad has not been straightforward, and Gordon was candid about the physical challenges he has had to overcome this past year.
“I feel as if I’m there now and I feel good. We’ll see once the tournament’s finished,” he said, offering a measured assessment of his current condition.
Gordon’s composed outlook reflects a man determined to remain fully present and focused rather than distracted by speculation about what comes next.
“The future will take care of itself after that,” he said, underlining his determination to concentrate solely on the challenge in front of him in the United States.
Scotland fans will be hoping their most experienced keeper can deliver the performances needed as the national team navigates the pressures of World Cup group-stage football.
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